About Doha Political Declaration

Context:

Doha Political Declaration was adopted by the head of the states at the recently concluded Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Doha Political Declaration
2. What is the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA)?
3. Least developed countries (LDCs)

About Doha Political Declaration:

• The Doha Political Declaration is a significant outcome of the second part of the LDC5 conference, which took place in Qatar under the theme “From Potential to Prosperity.”
• Commitment to Doha Programme of Action: The declaration welcomed the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) and expressed a strong commitment to implementing it throughout the next decade.
• UN Coordination: The declaration requested the UN Secretary-General to ensure that all parts of the UN system are fully mobilized and coordinated to facilitate the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action in a coordinated manner.

What is the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA)?

• The DPoA is a plan for the Least Developed Countries that was adopted at the first part of the LDC5 conference in New York.
• Its goal is to help the 46 most vulnerable countries achieve the UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals over the course of 10 years.
• The DPoA (2022-2031) focuses on six key areas:
  • Eradicating poverty
  • Leveraging the potential of science and technology
  • Addressing climate change
  • Tackling environmental degradation
  • Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Building resilience against future shocks for risk-informed sustainable development.

Need for the Doha Political Declaration

• The 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are facing multiple crises including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate crisis, growing inequalities, rising debt burdens, and economic shocks.
• Despite contributing minimally to Carbon Dioxide emissions, LDCs are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
• Many LDCs, including 33 African nations, struggle with high debt costs and inadequate liquidity to provide essential services.
• The Sustainable Development Report 2022 shows that LDCs are the worst performers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The Doha Political Declaration is necessary to address the urgent needs and challenges faced by LDCs and to ensure their progress towards sustainable development.

Least developed countries (LDCs):

• Least developed countries (LDCs) are countries with low-income levels that face significant challenges in achieving sustainable development due to structural barriers.
• LDCs are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, and health crises.
• The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) reviews the list of LDCs every three years and currently, there are 46 countries on the list.
• LDCs have access to special support measures, particularly in the areas of development assistance and trade, to help them overcome the challenges they face in achieving sustainable development.

Source: The Hindu