Programme: Africa Regional Review Meeting 22-26 February 2021

Monday, 22 February 2021
 

High-Level Opening Session: From Istanbul to Doha - Towards a New Decade of Partnerships for LDCs

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Master of Ceremony: Honorable Mr. Gospel Kazako, Minister of Information, Republic of Malawi

Welcoming remarks

• Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, and Secretary-General of LDC5 Conference
   
• The Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms

Opening Statements

• H. E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the UN General Assembly (via recorded message)
   
• H.E. Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Host Country of the LDCIV Conference
   
• H.E. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi – Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Host Country of the LDC5 Conference (via recorded message)
   
• The Honorable Ms. Karina Gould, Minister of Development Cooperation of Canada

Special Opening Remarks

• H.E. Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of Malawi, Chairperson of the LDC Group

High-Level Opening Timezones

15:00 - 15:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 16:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 14:45 Paris

08:00 - 08:45 New York

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In this session ministers and other high-level participants will reflect on the progress achieved during the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, including remaining gaps, challenges and vulnerabilities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LDCs’ health care systems and its socio-economic consequences will feature prominently. National recovery plans will be shared. Lessons learned will be identified as well as policy recommendations for the next decade.

Chair: Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms

Introduction by Ms. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa

Keynote Address by Mr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organization

Statements by Heads of Delegation

• Ministers from African LDCs and Haiti and Development Partners
   
• Heads of Agency of UN System and other international and regional organizations
   
• Civil Society Representatives
   

Speakers

Session 1 Timezones

16:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

17:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

15:00 - 17:45 Paris

09:00 - 11:45 New York

The Virtual Side Event will have the following two objectives:

• To influence policy makers participating in the Africa Regional Review Meeting to focus their attention on youth as SDG accelerators in their preparation for the UN LDC5 conference.
   
• To bring together inspiring and innovative youth initiatives and ideas from Malawi that can encourage increased youth participation in efforts to accelerate SDG progress in LDCs.
   
• Register for the Side Event

Side Event Timezones

10:00 - 12:00 Lilongwe

11:00 - 13:00 Addis Ababa

09:00 - 11:00 Paris

03:00 - 05:00 New York

15:00-16:45

Session 2: Building Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies – Organized in Collaboration with OSAA

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In this session, speakers will explore how peace and security are impacting development in African LDCs. Furthermore, participants will discuss mutually reinforcing dynamics of peace and development in conflict-affected countries and how to ensure a more integrated approach by the LDCs, their partners and multilateral institutions. Ways to broaden and strengthen the participation of LDCs in the institutions of global governance will also be discussed.

Moderator: Ms. Cristina Duarte, Under Secretary General and Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

Panelists:

• H.E. Mr. Eisenhower Mkaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malawi
   
• H.E. Ms. Victoria Ouédraogo Kibora, Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Civic Participation of Burkina Faso
   
• Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa
   
• Dr. Cyril Obi, Program Director, The African Initiative, Social Sciences Research Council
   
• Mr. Raphael Obonyo, Young activist and Public Policy Specialist
   

Lead Discussant

• H.E. Ms. Marie Chatardová, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations

Interactive Discussion

• Dr. Houssenatou Mamadou, Researcher and Lecturer, Political Sciences, Howard University

• Panelist Bios

Session 2 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe
16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa
14:00 - 15:45 Paris
08:00 - 09:45 New York

17:00-18:45
 

Session 3: Rethinking structural transformation in African LDCs in the Era of Technological Advancement and Innovation

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This session will explore the potential sources of growth to enable LDCs to achieve accelerated, inclusive and sustained growth and meet the SDGs by 2030. Structural transformation has traditionally been linked to increased productivity through the manufacturing sector. However, the era of technological advancement and initiatives for green growth to “build back better” after the COVID-19 pandemic call for a discussion on alternative sources for sustainable economic development in LDCs. Speakers will discuss the role that services such as ICT (including access to broadband internet), tourism or agroindustry can play in this respect and will highlight successful and innovative solutions to enable the African LDCs generate higher productivity and decent employment, especially women and youth.

Moderator: Ms. Maria Torres Macho, UN Resident Coordinator in Malawi

Panelists:

• Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms
   
• Mr. Mario Pezzini, Director, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Centre
   
• Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director, International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
   
• Mr. Ken Shawa, Senior Economist, Regional Office for Africa, International Labour Organization (ILO)
   
• Ms. Naria Santa Lucia, General Manager Digital Inclusion and Community Engagement, Microsoft Philanthropies
   
• Ms. Boutheina Guermazi, Director of Digital Development Department of the Infrastructure Practice Group, World Bank Group

Lead Discussant:

• Mr. Farrukh Alimdjanov, Industrial Development Officer within the Innovation and Digitalization Division at the UNIDO Department of Digitalization, Technology and Agri-Business

Interactive Discussion
 

• Panelist Bios

Session 3 Timezones

17:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:45 Paris

10:00 - 11:45 New York

• Summary Report

The objective of the special high-level session will be to reflect on the shaping of the Technology Bank, showcasing activities and early results in selected African LDCs. Further, potential partnerships with regional organizations to boost the effectiveness of the Bank’s interventions will also be discussed.
 

Technology Bank Side Event Timezones

10:00 - 12:00 Lilongwe

11:00 - 13:00 Addis Ababa

09:00 - 11:00 Paris

03:00 - 05:00 New York

The session will provide insights from UNCDF’s Blended Finance in the Least Developed Countries 2020: Supporting a Resilient Covid-19 Recovery report, including an update on the deployment of blended finance in LDCs as well as analysis of its potential role in helping LDCs recover from the COVID 19 crisis. UNCDF will present an Action Agenda for unlocking capital during the next program of action for LDCs, including with a special focus on small and medium-size enterprises (SME) finance. In addition, the session will highlight impacts of COVID-19 on SMEs and the need for additional finance. Evidence will be presented from the UNCDF LDC SME pulse survey— “The State of Small Businesses in the LDCs: Taking the Pulse of SMEs in the LDC Markets During COVID-19”—a unique survey encompassing more than 20 business sectors, featuring over 2,300 SMEs, spanning all 46 LDCs.

UNCDF Side Event  Timezones

13:00 - 14:30 Lilongwe

14:00 - 15:30 Addis Ababa

12:00 - 13:30 Paris

06:00 - 07:30 New York

Session 4: Mobilizing Resources for Sustainable Development in African LDCs

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This session will discuss experiences in domestic and international resource mobilization and discusses ways to facilitate the mobilization of the required resources, including innovative finance, to promote sustainable development in the African LDCs and enhance resilience to various shocks. The discussion will focus on how to enhance the abilities of countries to leverage domestic resources and take full advantage of international support, such as financial sector reform, domestic resource mobilization, development of adequate financial infrastructure or risk reduction instruments, including South-South cooperation. It will also look at how to increase debt sustainability, especially after the deteriorations due to COVID-19.

Moderator: Mr. Anders Berlin, Senior Adviser, UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

Keynote address: Ms. Susanna Moorehead, Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Chair, OECD

Panelists:

• Honourable Felix Mlusu, Minister of Finance, Malawi
   
• Hon. Augustus J. Flomo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Ministry of Finance Liberia
   
• Ms. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary, UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA)
   
• Ms. Preeti Sinha, Executive Secretary, UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
   
• Mr. Theophilus Jong Yungong, Head of Programmes, African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD)
   
• Mr. Admassu Tadesse, Group MD and President Emeritus, Trade and Development Bank (TDB)
   
• Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana, Executive Director, Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), Uganda

Interactive Discussion
 

• Panelist Bios

Session 4 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 15:45 Paris

08:00 - 09:45 New York

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This session will explore how improved market access, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, can boost regional and global trade of African LDCs. It will also discuss how competitiveness of African LDCs can be improved, including through access to sustainable energy and connectivity.

Moderator: Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)

Panelists:

• Honorable Dr. Thabiso Paul Molapo, Minister of Trade and Industry, Lesotho
   
• Honorable Mr. Sosten Gwengwe, Minister of Trade, MP, Malawi
   
• Ms. Isabelle Durant, Acting Secretary General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)  
   
• Mr. Ratnakar Adhikari, Executive Director for the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF)
   
• Dr. Towela Nyirenda-Jere, Head of Economic Integration, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD)
   
• Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria, Director of Trade in Services and IP, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat
   
• Mr. Taufiqur Rahman, Head, LDC Unit, Development Division, World Trade Organisation (WTO)
   
• Ms. Louise Wigget, Chief Executive Officer, Global Trade Solution

Interactive Discussion
 

Session 5 Timezones

17:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:45 Paris

10:00 - 11:45 New York

Session 6: Social and Human Development in the African LDCs: Reducing Inequality and Advancing Wellbeing and Opportunities – Organized in Collaboration with UNDP

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This session will explore the factors contributing to the high prevalence of poverty and inequality in the LDCs and explore the multiple dimensions limiting their poverty eradication efforts. It will discuss how progress towards human development can be accelerated through addressing aspects contributing to poverty and inequality in the African LDCs.

Moderator: Mr. Mansour Ndiaye, Head of Inclusive Growth, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Panelists:

• Honourable Ms. Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender Community Development and Social Welfare of Malawi
   
• H.E. Ms. Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information and Communications Technology of Rwanda
   
• H.E. Mr. Alexander Chiteme, Minister of National Development and Planning of Zambia
   
• Mr. Raymond Gilpin, Chief, Strategy Analysis and Research Team, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Africa 
   
• Mr. Joël Anani, Regional Director for Africa, International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA)
   
• Mr. Haroon Bhorat, Director of Development Policy Research Unit, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Interactive Discussion

• Panelist Bios

Session 6 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 15:45 Paris

08:00 - 09:45 New York

Session 7: Building Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Food Systems in African LDCs – Organized in Collaboration with FAO

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Moderator: Mr. Abebe Haile-Gabriele, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)

Keynote Speech: Dr. Máximo Torero, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)

Penelists:

• H.E. Ato Oumer Hussein, Minister of Agriculture of Ethiopia
   
• H.E. Lobin Lowe, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development of Malawi
   
• H.E. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of Uganda
   
• Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, Director, East and Southern Africa Division, IFAD
   
• Ms. Elizabeth Nsimadala, President, Pan Africa Farmers Organization (PAFO)

Interactive Discussion

Closing Remarks:

• Ms. Agnes Kalibata, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for 2021 Food Systems Summit
   
• Panelist Bios

Session 7 Timezones

17:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:45 Paris

10:00 - 11:45 New York

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This session will discuss the factors affecting the high degree of vulnerability faced by the African LDCs. It will explore how adaptation to climate change and disaster resilience efforts relate to the sustainable development of African LDCs and discuss mechanisms and approaches that could contribute to resilience building. The discussion will focus on ending energy poverty in LDCs and the important role clean and renewable energy play in building climate-resilient development pathways. It will also explore workable solutions and mechanisms that could contribute to a better anchoring of resilience and sustainability issues as part of a new Programme of Action.

Moderator: Ms. Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Director, United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS)

Panelists:

• The Honourable Newton Kambala, Minister of Energy, Malawi
   
• Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
   
• Mr. Mustapha Bakkoury, President & CEO of Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), Co-lead for Coalition for Sustainable Energy Access
   
• Mr. Eric Wanless, Director of Technology and Innovation, Power and Climate Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation
   
• Ms. Cecilia Njenga, Head South Africa Office, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
   
• Mr. Amjad Abbashar, Head of  Regional Office for Africa, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

Lead Discussants:    

• The Honourable Jean Kapata, MP, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Republic of Zambia
   
• The Honourable Mohapi Mohapinyane, Minister of Energy and Meteorology, Kingdom of Lesotho
   
• The Honourable Nancy Tembo, M.P, Minister of Forest and Natural Resources, Malawi
   
• Mr. Brian Dean, Lead, Energy Efficiency and Cooling, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll)

Interactive Discussion
 

Session 8 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 15:45 Paris

08:00 - 09:45 New York

• Outcome Document
   
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In this session the outcome document will be adopted followed by closing remarks.

Chair: The Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms

Presentations of main conclusions of side events:

• Hon. Ulemu Msungama, Minister of Youth, Malawi (Youth are SDG Accelerators in Least Developed Countries)
   
• Mr. Joshua Setipa, Managing Director, UN Technology Bank for the LDCs (Empowering LDCs through science, technology and innovation – Lessons learned)
   
• Ms. Preeti Sinha, Executive Secretary, UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) (Impacts of COVID-19 on SMEs in LDCs and the role of blended finance in supporting a resilient recovery)

Closing Remarks:

• Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Secretary-General of the LDC5 Conference
   
• Vote of Thanks by Hon. Mohapi Mohapinyane, Minister of Energy and Meteorology of Lesotho
   
• The Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms

High-Level Closing Session Timezones

17:00 - 18:00 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:00 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:00 Paris

10:00 - 11:00 New York