Workshop on Preparation of National Reports

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On 20 November 2025, UN-OHRLLS and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) jointly organized a webinar for national focal points of African Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to support the preparation of national reports for the global midterm review (MTR) of the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). The session formed part of the broader regional review process leading up to the MTR to be held in Doha, Qatar, in March 2027.

The event brought together national focal points from African LDCs, as well as representatives from several United Nations Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs). Discussions focused on sharing experiences and best practices in developing the national reports for the MTR, clarifying the application of the Guidelines for National Reports prepared by UN-OHRLLS, providing updates on available support, and identifying key challenges. The meeting also addressed queries related to methodology, data preparation, modalities for inclusive national consultations, and the use of reporting templates.

Participants emphasized the timeliness of the meeting and expressed appreciation for the financial support provided by UN-OHRLLS to strengthen the capacity of LDCs in preparation of data-driven national reports and facilitating their national review processes. LDCs stressed persisting challenges in data collection. On average, less than 50% of SDG data is available in LDCs. According to the monitoring framework for the DPoA developed by OHRLLS, the DPoA includes 113 targets across the six priority areas, and 70% of the DPoA indicators are closely aligned with the SDGs.

Participants underscored the importance of ensuring coherence with national, regional and global review processes such as the Voluntary National Review of the SDGs, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the national development plans. Participants stressed the value of building on lessons learned from previous reviews and ensuring broad multi-stakeholder participation.

Thanks to the generous support of the Government of Qatar, OHRLLS is providing financial assistance to up to 20 LDCs through the respective UN Resident Coordinators Offices to strengthen human capacity for preparing national reports and to facilitate inclusive national consultations.

Preparation of the national reports and the participatory approach in national reviews reflect strong leadership and ownership of LDCs in the effective and full implementation of the DPoA.