In just a few days, the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, also known as LDC5, will kick off in Doha, Qatar, from 5-9 March.

UN staff servicing the conference have begun to arrive in Doha to put the finishing touches on what is expected to be a landmark conference to deliver on a historic new compact to support the countries whose vulnerabilities were most exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world’s 46 least developed countries suffered from inadequate pandemic-fighting resources and spiraling debt, sending their development progress backwards.

They have also faced a sharp decline in living standards as well as rising debt and soaring international energy and food prices.

At LDC5, world leaders will agree on plans to deliver the Doha Programme of Action, a ten-year commitment for renewed and strengthened partnerships between the Least Developed Countries and developed nations, as well as the private sector and civil society.

The Doha Programme of Action will also help accelerate achievement of the SDGs in the countries that are furthest behind.

“The people of the least developed countries represent the planet’s most untapped potential. All they need is a fair chance. Investment in these young vibrant countries can help drive sustainable growth for generations,” said Rabab Fatima, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, and Secretary-General of the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries. 

The Doha Programme of Action will focus on six priority areas: productive capacity; climate change; trade; human and social development; multiple crises and other emerging challenges; and governance at all levels.

LDC5 will feature five days of announcements, partnerships, and commitments to deliver on the promise of the Doha Programme of Action.

Together with the Secretary-General, Heads of State and Government from across the globe will usher in a new period of solidarity for the most vulnerable Member States.