Doha: The State of Qatar took part in the virtual side meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on the sidelines of the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).
Qatar’s delegation was chaired by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
In a videotaped speech during the meeting, Al Muraikhi underlined the keenness to participate in all preparatory meetings for the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, to be held in Doha from January 23 to 27, 2022.
He praised ESCWA’s efforts in preparing for this important meeting.
Al Muraikhi said Qatar spares no effort in its role as an active partner in the international community in responding to common needs and challenges, expressing pride that these efforts have resulted in positive contributions to alleviating the burdens and addressing the challenges facing many countries.
He underlined that Qatar has been keen to provide development assistance to the least developed countries within the established policy to support priority issues. He noted that the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani announced during the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit Qatar’s contribution of $100 million to support the least developed countries and small island developing states to deal with climate change.
Al Muraikhi said that Qatar is proud to host the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha realising the importance of multilateral action based on the principle of partnership and cooperation, which is a fundamental pillar in its policy that attaches special importance to the priorities and needs of the least developed countries.
He noted that the negative repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic exacerbated the humanitarian needs and increased the existing challenges, especially for least developed countries. He stressed that the conference would respond to the needs of the least developed countries.
Al Muraikhi said he’s looking forward to the Doha Program of Action for the next ten years to be the first to address the implications of the coronavirus pandemic on the least developed countries and an opportunity to bring about substantial improvement and tangible progress at all levels, and for its results to be in the interest of the least developed countries, reflecting the priorities and commitments that are compatible with the needs of those countries without neglecting the importance of enhancing investment in the global partnership.
