New York, October 13, 2026 : The State of Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to working with the United Nations system and all partners to accelerate implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (2022–2031), describing it as a global roadmap and an international platform for achieving sustainable development in least developed countries (LDCs).
Statement Delivered at UN Second Committee
The remarks were made in a statement by Qatari delegation member Abdulaziz Yousef Jolo during the Second Committee meetings of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, under Agenda Item 20, Groups of Countries in Special Situations.
Programme Reaches “Critical Juncture”
Jolo said implementation of the Doha Programme of Action had reached a critical juncture amid mounting challenges related to debt, development financing, food security, climate change, and conflict.
Qatar Cites Pledges and Partnerships
He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to supporting LDCs, citing its hosting of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha in March 2023, where Qatar pledged $60 million to support implementation of the Programme of Action and its outcomes.
Jolo said Qatar has sought to translate this commitment into practical partnerships. In September 2025, the Qatar Fund for Development signed two agreements worth a total of $21 million with the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). The agreements support a food storage mechanism for LDCs and strengthen their resilience, and allocate $10 million to help the Office implement the Doha Programme of Action.
Graduation Meeting Hosted in December 2025
Jolo also highlighted Qatar’s hosting of a high-level meeting on Global Partnerships for the Sustainable and Resilient Graduation of Least Developed Countries in December 2025, in partnership with UN-OHRLLS. He stressed that graduation from the LDC category should represent a sustainable development transition.
Doha to Host Midterm Review in March 2027
He said preparations are underway at all levels for the high-level meeting to conduct the midterm review of the Doha Programme of Action, scheduled to take place in Doha from March 25 to 27, 2027, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 80/150. Qatar views the review as a key international milestone for assessing progress, identifying gaps, renewing political and financial commitments, and agreeing on practical measures for the second half of the programme’s implementation.
Call for Renewed International Solidarity
Jolo stressed that the success of the Doha Programme of Action is a shared responsibility requiring renewed international solidarity and more ambitious partnerships to help LDCs address structural challenges, achieve sustainable and inclusive development, and build resilience.
Source: QNA
