Economic growth and job creation top the agenda for CEOs from 20 Least Developed Countries

IOE leads a major business delegation of 20 Presidents from member employers’ organisations to the 5th UN Conference on Least Developed Countries.

The International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the Presidents of employer federations from 20 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are attending the UN LDC5 Conference in Doha, Qatar, from 5-9 March.

The Presidents are coming from countries including Angola, Benin, Cambodia, Chad, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Haiti, Iraq, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Nepal, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia. These are some of the most important private sector leaders in their respective countries. 

During the Conference, the IOE Business Delegation will hold a number of joint sessions with UN Resident Coordinators, take part in numerous events during the LDC5 Private Sector Forum, and engage with UN leadership as well as with national and international partners in pushing for more business involvement in setting development agendas.

The delegation will also meet with leadership from Microsoft to discuss expanding the ongoing skills development collaboration with IOE and local partners known as Tech@Work, along with how to shape international dialogues on bridging the digital divide through private sector engagement.

Quotes from IOE and Business Delegation representatives on objectives for LDC5 Conference

IOE Secretary-General Mr Roberto Suárez Santos is leading the delegation. According to Mr Suárez Santos, the presence of so many employers’ organisations CEOs from LDCs in Doha is a clear message to the international community that business has a role to play in sustainable development and is ready to take its place.

“Investment in human capital plays a key role in addressing many of the challenges faced by Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This 5th UN Conference on LDCs will be a unique opportunity to define a new action plan for human capital development in these countries,” said Mossadeck Bally, President of the National Employers Council of Mali (Conseil National du Patronal du Mali)

“Zambia's private sector faces numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure & a shortage of skilled labour. The 5th UN Conference on LDCs will provide a vital platform for us to engage with international partners, share experiences & learn from others as we highlight the urgent need for greater support & investment in the country's private sector,” said Myra Sakala Ngoma, President of the Zambia Federation of Employers.