Qatar's Amir announces $60 million contribution to least developed countries

Doha, Qatar-His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, announced on Friday a financial contribution of $60 million to support the development process of the least developed countries, writes Matiisetso Mosala.

The announcement was made during the plenary sessions of the ongoing Fifth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5).

"From this standpoint, the convening of this conference represents a renewal of our solidarity and unity of our will in facing common challenges and exploring futuristic, effective, and sustainable solutions to them," Sheikh Tamim said.

The Amir revealed that $10 million of the total amount will be allocated for supporting the implementation of the Doha Program of Action activities for the least developed countries, while $50 million will be allocated for supporting the intended outcomes of the Doha Program of Action and building resilience potential in the least developed countries.

"The convening of this conference is a unique opportunity for our international community to renew and reinvigorate our commitments and partnerships to support LDCs to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century," he added.

The LDC5 conference aims to confront food security challenges, climate change, energy crises, and debt crises as a joint global liability, and find solutions through shared collective tasks and responsibilities among all countries.

It encourages rich and developed countries to contribute more to assist the least developed countries in overcoming global challenges.

The Qatari Amir also urged development partners to follow the example of Qatar and take the initiative to support the implementation of the Doha Program of Action as part of their humanitarian and development duty towards the peoples of the least developed countries.