Thank you very much. I wish to thank everyone for their excellent contribution today.
You have brought in deep insights and understanding of the ground situation; you have the expertise; and we can bring about transformative changes if we team up.
We have taken note of the many concrete ideas and proposals that you have shared. As we were reminded today, real change can only come through an inclusive development process; nationally driven with the involvement of all stakeholders.
I will take a few minutes to highlight some of my takeaways from the discussions today.
- First, the importance of harnessing the central organization power of the States have been highlighted. I cannot agree more that we need a data driven and informed approach to advance our journey towards a sustainable and resilient recovery.
- Second, the regression and sliding back, which happened in LDCs due to COVID-19 have been highlighted. And those include deeper inequalities between developed and developing countries in the areas of COVID-19 vaccines, digital divide, education, access to health etc. On the financing front, the debt crisis and illicit financial flows have aggravated the situation. Bilateral and multilateral development partners, the UN agencies must step up with special support measures for LDCs. And that should go beyond the temporary measures of DSSI and SDRs.
- Third, in the global value chains of 4th industrial revolutions, LDCs are at the lowest echelon. The upward transitions of LDCs are urgent through structural transformation and real partnership. We need more equitable global economic and trade regime, that will also ensure upward mobility of LDCs.
- Fourth, national aspirations in LDCs need to have enough global support. The IPR exemptions, for example, has played critical role in development of pharmaceuticals in LDCs [as Ms. Lee shared at the outset]. Extension of IPR should get full support in LDC5. And the benefit should be provided to graduating and graduated countries also.
- Fifth, connecting to the global and regional value chain will also be critical to build resilience against external shocks. The agreements in WTO, regional, and bilateral agreements will be critical building blocks for ensuring the sustainable growth. Market access and technological support are the key issues.
- Sixth, for climate vulnerable LDCs, adaptation and resilience building add manifold to the existing challenges. There should be enhanced global solidarity to mobilize more support for them. The unresolved issues and unfulfilled commitments in financing front, the loss and damage issue, the climate displacement issues are priorities for the LDCs, which are at the frontline of Climate crisis.
- Finally, the developments of LDCs are highly dependent on meaningful social inclusion, especially putting women to the forefront of the socio-political arena of these countries.
I would strongly urge you to share your concrete proposals with your governments and development partners, as we prepare for Doha2022. I agree fully with Mr. Demba that LDC5 should mark a radical break. An opportunity that should not be lost. We can’t wait for another 10 years.
We will start working on the Doha POA. There will be two PrepCom sessions; one next week. In between, there will be many more consultations and meetings. As co-chairs, we will make every effort to engage with all stakeholders; and we hope to see a strong civil society forum and your footprint in the Doha outcome.
Thank you once again everyone; thank you USG; thank you Heidi, and your team for arranging this important consultation.
Stay well; stay safe.