UNTB Council Reviews Progress and Accelerates Support to LDCs

On 21 July, the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (UNTB) convened its Council meeting, chaired by Prof. Hasan Mandal, Rector of Istanbul Technical University (ITU). Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Rabab Fatima, Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The meeting acknowledged the participation of the Under-Secretary-General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, and all Council members, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the Technology Bank’s mandate.

The Council reviewed achievements and challenges from the January to June 2025 reporting period. With less than five years remaining to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Council reiterated the urgent need to strengthen support for least developed countries (LDCs). Financial and human resource constraints remain key barriers, and Council members stressed the importance of breaking the current cycle of limited funding and fragmented project delivery.

As the midterm review of the Doha Programme of Action approaches, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to scaling impact through stronger partnerships, sustainable financing, and effective delivery on the ground.