LDC5 Conference in Doha, Qatar (POSTPONED)

The State of Qatar, in consultation with the Secretary-General of the Fifth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), has decided to postpone this high-level conference.

The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) – a decision on new dates is expected to be taken by the General Assembly in January 2022 – is a major opportunity to enhance the dialogue between employer and business membership organisations from LDC countries with Heads of States and Ministers of governments, international organisations, and potential investors.

Representatives at the highest level from IOE Members in LDCs* are invited to join this important gathering as part of the employer delegation.

At the LDC5 Summit, the international community is expected to: 

• Undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action. 
• Mobilise additional international support in favour of LDCs. 
• Agree on a renewed partnership to overcome structural challenges, eradicate poverty, and achieve internationally agreed development goals.

A 3-day Private Sector Forum (dates pending) will promote private-sector participation and investment in LDCs to support their sustainable development and where employer perspectives from LDCs will be particularly valuable.

IOE is preparing a comprehensive review of the business environment in each LDC country with an IOE Member organisation, with concrete recommendations that will become specific action. This will be presented to Heads of State at LDC5. IOE Member input will contribute to shaping this critical debate and identifying necessary steps to unblock investments, create conducive environments for entrepreneurship and job creation, strengthen LDCs’ access to global trade pathways, and accelerate action to address flaws in governance systems.

Further updates and details will follow. Please visit the LDC5 official website to get the latest updates: https://www.un.org/ldc5/ 

*Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Haiti, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia.