Qatar calls for stronger international support for least developed countries

New York - Qatar has urged for stronger global support for the world's least developed countries (LDCs), highlighting that overlapping economic, climate, and food crises are exacerbating their inherent structural issues. During the annual ministerial meeting of LDCs, which took place on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York, Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad made this appeal.

Al Misnad emphasized that supporting LDCs is not just an act of international solidarity but also a strategic investment in sustainable development, peace, and international stability. She reiterated Qatar's commitment to aiding the world's least developed countries, stressing that effective multilateral cooperation and partnerships are crucial for inclusive and sustainable development.

In March 2023, Qatar hosted the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha, where HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani pledged $60 million to assist in the implementation and outcomes of the Doha Program of Action. This included $10 million for program activities and $50 million to enhance resilience in LDCs.

Since then, Qatar has been working on translating these commitments into practical partnerships. In September 2025, the Qatar Fund for Development signed two agreements worth a total of $21 million with the UN OHRLLS, aiming to bolster resilience-building in LDCs and establish a food-storage mechanism.

Al Misnad called for enhanced international cooperation to bridge the development financing gap faced by LDCs, increase concessional financing and investment, mobilize domestic and international resources, and develop innovative financing mechanisms suited to the unique circumstances of vulnerable nations. She also stressed the importance of strengthening resilience against economic, climate, and food-related shocks while maintaining investments in education, healthcare, social protection, and skills development.

The minister highlighted the significance of the Doha Program of Action's high-level midterm review, set to occur in Doha on March 25-27, 2027, as an opportunity to evaluate progress, spot gaps, and reaffirm political and financial commitments during the latter stages of the program. She also addressed the implications of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, noting its far-reaching effects on food security, energy supplies, and global trade, particularly in developing countries.

Al Misnad stressed that the restoration of shipping through the strait, in line with international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), should be pursued to contain escalation and create room for diplomatic initiatives. She underscored that the success of the Doha Program of Action is a shared responsibility and urged development partners to intensify their efforts, bolster international solidarity, and allocate more resources and investment towards the world's least developed countries.