Doha summit key to LDC aspirations: Sheikha Alya

HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani said that the opening session of the Fifth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5), which will be held in Doha from March 5 to 9, will see the election of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as president of the conference.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Sheikha Alya said that Qatar looks forward to the anticipated adoption of the Doha Political Declaration — one of the important final documents of the conference which will reflect the commitment to the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the decade 2022-2031.HE Sheikha Alya expressed her hope that this historic event would constitute an important turning point in responding to the aspirations of the least developed countries, and translating the long-term promises and commitments into practical actions by all partners. She explained that the Doha Programme of Action, which was unanimously adopted by all member states, embodies a new stage and an important step forward in light of the ambitious and important tools and measures it entails to bring about the desired change and achieve the aspirations of the least developed countries.At a time when the least developed countries are making strenuous efforts to overcome the enormous burdens imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and other unprecedented challenges, the Doha Programme of Action constitutes a roadmap and a solid foundation for raising the level of ambition, she added, stressing that the commitment of all partners and the priority given to issues related to least developed countries are clearly demonstrated.HE Sheikha Alya said that Qatar's hosting of the LDC5 is an important and unique once-in-a-decade opportunity to develop concrete global measures and actions to support the efforts of the least developed countries in achieving prosperity and inclusive and sustainable development, and to invest in the abundant opportunities in order to move forward in joint endeavours to ensure that no one is left behind.