DOHA, March 5, 2023 – With the participation of President Mahmoud Abbas, the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) kicked off today in the Qatari capital, Doha, and is scheduled to run from March 5 to 9, 2023.

Over the next five days, world leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders are set to assess the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action and to mobilize additional international support and action for the world’s 46 least developed countries, according to the United Nations.

President Abbas is scheduled to deliver a speech before the conference, in which he will address the escalation of crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settlers against the Palestinian people, as well as Israel’s continued impunity from accountability under international law.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also expected to address the conference and has already emphasized the importance of strengthening global support for the least developed countries.

The conference aims to mobilize international commitments to help overcome structural challenges, eradicate poverty, and achieve the internationally agreed development goals.

The LDC Summit, which is normally held every ten years, was twice postponed since 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emir of Qatar: Grave Challenges Facing the World

In his opening remarks, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said that the Fifth Conference on the Least Developed Countries convenes amid grave challenges facing the world as a result of new international conflicts, the global food security crisis, the impacts of climate change, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is incumbent upon us to reflect on these challenges as we plan for a shared future for our peoples and countries over the next decade in the context of the least developed countries. Millions of people in these countries remain burdened by poverty, and lack access to food, health care, and education,” said Sheikh Tamim.

He added that the conference is being held while “our brothers in Türkiye and Syria continue to suffer from the devastating consequences of the massive earthquake that struck them, affecting millions of people.”

“I affirm, on behalf of all of us, our solidarity with our brothers in Türkiye and Syria, and I urge everyone to support Türkiye’s efforts to overcome the effects of this disaster. I stress the need to extend a helping hand without hesitation to the brotherly Syrian people. As I wonder at the delay in the arrival of aid to this people, I emphasize that exploiting a human tragedy for political purposes is unacceptable,” the Emir concluded.