New york: The State of Qatar has expressed its eagerness to host the High-Level Midterm Review Meeting of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA MTR) in March 2027. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to foster collaboration with the least developed countries and aid their efforts in overcoming various challenges.
According to Qatar News Agency, this announcement was made by Her Excellency Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during a joint thematic event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event focused on the midterm review of the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries.
Her Excellency highlighted that the event served as an essential platform for discussing pressing issues, sharing visions, and setting ambitious goals for the upcoming DPoA MTR scheduled to take place in Doha from March 25 to 27. The discussions addressed the interconnected challenges faced by the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and reviewed the progress made in implementing the Doha Programme of Action amid the current global development landscape. Key issues such as energy insecurity, structural fragility, worsening debt situations, and the need for resilience to climate change were also discussed.
Her Excellency praised the significant contributions and widespread participation at the event, underscoring the importance of advancing the Doha Programme of Action. She noted that the programme plays a pivotal role in fostering growth and prosperity in the LDCs.
Moreover, Sheikha Alya emphasized Qatar's dedication to supporting LDCs through its hosting of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the LDCs. This reflects Qatar's commitment to addressing the issues of these countries and its prominent role in hosting major international events under the United Nations' auspices.
She further mentioned that the conference generated positive momentum, demonstrating a genuine desire to provide LDCs with innovative measures and global partnerships. She stressed the importance of translating the commitments outlined in the Doha Programme of Action into practical actions to achieve significant transformations.
Additionally, Her Excellency highlighted Qatar's efforts through the Qatar Fund for Development, which signed two agreements last year with the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States. These agreements, amounting to USD 21 million, aim to build resilience in the LDCs and establish a food reserve system to combat food insecurity among vulnerable communities worldwide.
Sheikha Alya also recalled Qatar's hosting of a High-Level Meeting for LDCs last December under the theme: "Building ambitious global partnerships for a sustainable and resilient exit from the LDC list." This initiative stemmed from Qatar's belief in the importance of international partnerships to support LDCs.
During the event, Her Excellency reiterated that the DPoA MTR in March 2027 will be a critical milestone for assessing achievements, identifying gaps, renewing solidarity with LDCs, and strengthening partnerships and initiatives. This review is expected to deliver tangible results that drive sustainable development and provide momentum for the remaining period of the Doha Development Agenda.