Remarks by H.E. Mr. Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to UN, on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries, at luncheon meeting hosted by H.E. Ms. Samantha Power, Ambassador & Permanent Representative of USA for Permanent Representatives from Least Developed Countries delegations
US Mission to UN, New York, 23 March 2016
Excellency the Permanent Representative of the United States of America
Fellow Excellency Permanent Representatives of LDCs
Distinguished colleagues
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to begin by commending the Honourable Permanent Representative of the United States of America for organizing this luncheon. It provides us with a unique opportunity to exchange our views on the priorities of LDCs in the context of the global development discourses. This is a testimony of the strong commitment and support of the United States to the special causes of LDCs.
2. I am happy to register our warm appreciation to the delegation of the United States for their strong working relationship with LDC delegations on a number of issues related to development, including all recently concluded major processes. My expert has requested me to convey through you, Excellency, his especial thanks to your second committee delegates, especially Mr. Douglas Carey for his constructive engagement, positive attitude and supportive role in the negotiations of the development issues. We hope that such a strong relationship and understanding will further strengthen in the days ahead.
3. I would also like to put on record our thanks to Ambassador Zinsou of Benin for the outstanding job he and his team have done as the Chair of LDCs during the last three years. He is now discharging his responsibilities as the Co-Facilitator for the Midterm Review of the IPoA with remarkable skill. It is always good to have a dependable and knowledgeable person like Ambassador Zinsou at the helm.
Let me take this opportunity to highlight few points.
4. First: The 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda have incorporated a number of key priorities of LDCs. As we enter into the implementation phase of these agendas, our commitments need to translate into concrete actions. MDGs were hugely successful at the global level. However, a number of countries, especially some LDCs, were not able to achieve them. We would of course like to see better results in case of SDGs. We therefore stress that special focus needs to be accorded to this group of countries to help them achieve SDGs.
AE_230316
5. In this regard, let me assure you that LDCs are taking the necessary steps to fulfil their end of the commitments, including ensuring rule of law and good governance at all levels, mainstreaming gender equality and women empowerment in national development plans, and creating conducive environment for flourishing of private sector and vibrant civil society.
6. Second: Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs represents a comprehensive development compact between LDCs and their development partners. This needs to be fully implemented by all to enable half of LDCs reach the graduation threshold by 2020. We believe that with appropriate external support, this objective is achievable.
7. Third: The Mid-term Review of the Implementation of the IPoA will help us in taking stock of the progress achieved, identifying best practices, renewing and reinvigorating the global partnership9s for development and launching concrete measures, initiatives and partnerships, individually or collectively. We are keenly looking forward to an ambitious and forward looking outcome of the MTR which will provide a blueprint for the implementation of the IPoA in the next five years. Our own analysis and exercise suggests that we can build on the existing commitments to come up with some concrete measures. Scaled up ODA, investment support centre and a resilience building mechanism for LDCs could be some of the key deliverables of the MTR. We will deeply appreciate support of USA in these areas.
8. Fourth: It is vitally important to ensure full operationalization of the technology bank for LDCs for enabling them to realize the IPoA and the 2030 Agenda. We are ready to work closely with you and other development partners to operationalize the Technology Bank in line with the ambitious scope that the General Assembly has already agreed upon in various resolutions and the Secretary-General’s High level panel has articulated in its feasibility study.
9. Fifth: LDCs need increased support from the United Nations system, and also the World Bank Group. LDCs are often overlooked by the World Bank Group. We would seek your support to ensure that LDCs receive adequate support and assistance from these entities. Necessary repositioning and reorientation of their programmes in favour of LDCs would be essential. The upcoming QCPR provides an important opportunity in this regard.
10. In conclusion, I would request Your Excellency the Permanent Representative of the US and your delegation to continue to provide the opportunity to exchange our views in the days ahead. We also look forward to your continued support to the challenges and priorities of LDCs, including in the areas that I have highlighted above.