Qatar Foundation’s Doha Debates has collaborated with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) on a leadership training programme for youth delegates.
The programme culminated with the young changemakers attending the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), held in Doha from March 5 to 9.
Through the eight-week online programme, 92 young leaders from across the globe worked with international experts to develop critical leadership, facilitation, communication, and advocacy skills. They learned to use constructive dialogue and debate to problem-solve and take action to realise the Sustainable Development Goals. During the LDC5 conference, the delegates presented a Youth Declaration: a nine-point document developed in consultation with young people living in the 46 Least Developed Countries.
Titled “For All Generations,” the Youth Declaration calls for empowerment and inclusion of youth in the implementation of LDC action plans and emphasises the urgent need to address issues that will impact their future - including climate change, gender inequality, economic and educational opportunities, safety and security, improved pandemic response, and access to technology.
During the LDC5 conference in Doha, world leaders gathered with the private sector, civil society, parliamentarians, and LDC Youth Delegates to advance new ideas, raise new pledges of support and spur delivery on agreed commitments through the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA).
If implemented in full, the DPoA will help the world’s least-developed countries address the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, return to a pathway to achieve the SDGs, address climate change, and make strides towards sustainable, irreversible graduation out of the LDC category.
Rabab Fatima, high representative for UN-OHRLLS, said: “LDC5 represents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to chart a new path for accelerating sustainable development in the world’s LDCs. But the meaningful involvement of young people is essential to achieving this. This is why we are empowering youth from the Least Developed Countries to amplify their voices: so that they are not just heard, but acted upon.”
Through educational programing and media content—including live debates, podcasts, films, and digital campaigns-Doha Debates empowers a new generation of leaders to bridge divides, find common ground, and work together to address the world’s biggest challenges.
Amjad Atallah, managing director of Doha Debates said: “As 2030 grows ever closer, we must deliver on global commitments to help LDCs achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. These youth delegates have a critical role to play in holding world leaders and institutions accountable, and our aim was to help them navigate the LDC5 conference with authority and assurance, engaging in critical conversations to ultimately bring about lasting change.”
