New York:Qatar has urged the international community to intensify efforts in supporting the world's least developed countries (LDCs), emphasizing that the intertwined challenges of economic, climate, and food crises exacerbate their existing structural issues.
According to Qatar News Agency, the call for action came from Dr. Maryam bint Ali Al Misnad, Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation, during the annual ministerial meeting of LDCs held alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. She highlighted that supporting LDCs is not only a demonstration of international solidarity but also an investment in sustainable development, peace, and stability worldwide.
Qatar has shown its commitment by hosting the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha in March 2023. During this conference, Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, pledged $60 million to support the Doha Program of Action, directing $10 million towards program activities and $50 million towards enhancing resilience in LDCs.
Dr. Al Misnad further noted that Qatar is actively pursuing practical partnerships to fulfill its commitments. In September 2025, the Qatar Fund for Development signed agreements totaling $21 million with the UN Office of the High Representative for LDCs, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, aimed at building resilience and establishing a food-storage mechanism in LDCs.
The minister underscored the importance of international cooperation to bridge the development financing gap for LDCs, including expanding concessional financing, mobilizing resources, and creating innovative financing solutions tailored to these vulnerable countries.
Dr. Al Misnad also called attention to the need for resilience against economic, climate, and food-related shocks while maintaining investments in essential areas such as education, healthcare, social protection, and skills development. She stressed that achieving a sustainable graduation from the LDC category should be viewed as a long-term effort to safeguard progress and prevent regression.
She mentioned the upcoming high-level midterm review of the Doha Program of Action set for March 2027 in Doha, which will serve as a platform to evaluate progress, identify gaps, and renew commitments.
Addressing regional concerns, Dr. Al Misnad spoke about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that continued shipping disruptions extend beyond energy security and global trade, impacting food security and energy supplies, particularly in developing nations. She called for navigation restoration in the strait per international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026).
Qatar‚s priority, she stated, is to prevent escalation and foster diplomatic solutions, with any future arrangements regarding the strait needing to be rooted in regional consensus and adherence to international law.
Dr. Al Misnad concluded by emphasizing the collective responsibility for the success of the Doha Program of Action, urging development partners to increase their contributions, bolster international solidarity, and channel resources towards LDCs to support inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development. Qatar remains committed to working with its partners to achieve these goals.