By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia has assumed the Chairmanship of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, taking on a central role in coordinating the interests of 44 countries across Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Caribbean at United Nations intergovernmental processes.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, The Gambia’s chairmanship will involve providing strategic direction to the group, maintaining its unity, facilitating consensus and convening and presiding over its meetings.
The LDC Group serves as the main platform for coordinating the common positions of least developed countries on issues including sustainable development, development financing, debt sustainability, trade, climate action, technology transfer and access and productive capacities.
The ministry says the group’s work is anchored in the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022–2031, which sets out commitments by LDCs and their development partners aimed at accelerating development and supporting countries graduating from the LDC category.
As Chair, The Gambia will also steer common positions during United Nations negotiations and represent the LDC Group in engagements with the UN system, development partners and other stakeholders.
The ministry identified effective implementation of the Doha Programme of Action, greater accountability for commitments made to LDCs and stronger support for countries approaching graduation among the country’s priorities during its chairmanship.
The Gambia has also assumed the Chairmanship of the LDC Group in Geneva, where it will coordinate the group’s work at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
At a handover ceremony held at the Palais des Nations, Ambassador Prof. Muhammadou M.O. Kah, Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the United Nations Office in Geneva, received the mantle of leadership.
Ambassador Kah also serves as Coordinator of the LDC Group at the World Trade Organization.
The chairmanship places The Gambia at the centre of efforts by least developed countries to advance their common positions on development, trade, financing, climate action and other priorities within the international system.
About The Author
