联合国贸易发展委员会为执行《支援最不发达国家多哈行动纲领》而开展的活动2024

UNCTAD Contribution to the Implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries

Overview

UNCTAD has been actively supporting the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) since its adoption in 2022. This program focuses on enabling LDCs to overcome the pandemic, address climate change, and make progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and graduation from LDC status.

Key Challenges and Data

• Economic Growth: In 2024, the 45 LDCs are forecast to achieve an average GDP growth of 4.8%, up from 4.2% in 2023. However, this growth remains well below the 7% target set in the Doha Programme of Action.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI inflows to LDCs increased from $26.6 billion in 2022 to $31.3 billion in 2023, representing 2.4% of global flows. Despite this increase, FDI flows remain below their peak in 2015.
• Debt Sustainability: High levels of external debt and rising costs of debt service continue to limit fiscal space and hinder economic recovery. Five countries are in debt distress, and another 15 are at high risk of debt distress as of February 29, 2024.
• Commodity Prices: Volatile commodity prices continue to undermine growth prospects, affecting 34 out of the 45 LDCs.

Activities Under UNCTAD's Pillars

Research and Analysis

• Least Developed Countries Report 2023: The report highlights the need for comprehensive reforms in the international financial architecture to support sustainable development and build resilience. It emphasizes the importance of improving the quantity, quality, and access to finance for LDCs.
• Press Releases and Podcasts: UNCTAD published a series of press releases and podcasts to disseminate findings widely, targeting journalists and stakeholders in Addis Ababa and Dakar.
• Policy Brief: A policy brief was issued, emphasizing the impact of climate change on central banking and suggesting ways for central banks in LDCs to incorporate climate-responsive tools.

Intergovernmental Consensus-Building

• Economic Development in Africa Report 2023: The report addresses the challenges faced by African LDCs, focusing on opportunities to engage in technology-intensive global supply chains. It was launched in Dakar and Nairobi, followed by a high-level dialogue with the President of Kenya.

Technical Cooperation

• Side Event: UNCTAD organized a side event during the ninth Africa Think Tank Summit in Lusaka, discussing how to harness the potential of Kenya to integrate into high-technology intensive supply chains.

Conclusion and Recommendations

UNCTAD's activities under the three pillars aim to support LDCs in overcoming multiple crises and achieving the targets of the Doha Programme of Action by 2031. The report concludes with lessons learned and recommendations for the Trade and Development Board to consider moving forward.

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This summary captures the key activities and data points related to UNCTAD's support for the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs, highlighting the ongoing challenges and efforts to address them.