Least Developed Countries

Without urgent and enhanced action, the 46 least developed countries (LDCs) will not be able to reach the
SDG 7 targets by 2030. Despite the extraordinary growth potential for the energy sector in LDCs, these countries
rarely benefit from larger financing schemes to the same extent as other, more prosperous, developing
countries. Sustainable energy should therefore be one of the central thematic topics of the new 10-year programme
of action for the LDCs to be adopted at the Fifth UN Conference on the LDCs in 2021.

NEW YORK 4 December 2020 – The small island nation of Vanuatu is celebrating today as it is officially no longer classified as one of the world’s least developed countries, or LDCs.

Despite the compounding threats of COVID-19, natural disasters and climate change, the Vanuatu government sees graduation as a positive sign that the country is increasingly able to build resilience and meet its citizens’ needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging labour markets around the world. Global trends such as globalisation, demographic shifts, climate change and technology have already brought profound shifts to the world of work, and the pandemic has accelerated changes. 

NEW YORK 27 October 2020 – COVID-19 is impacting the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in unprecedented, profound and disproportionate ways. This is why these countries, often unable to afford comprehensive response plans, need more international support.  

So what does COVID-19 mean for the most vulnerable countries and the support they need from the international community? 

Excellencies, 
Colleagues, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

Excellencies, 
Colleagues, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to join you at this Second Committee side event.

I thank Special Representative Mami Mizutori and team for her leadership on this event, as well as the ILO and UN Women for their close partnership.

Excellencies, 
Colleagues, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

Greetings to all.