FM: Qatar keen to allocate large part of its aid to developing, least developed countries

FM: Qatar keen to allocate large part of its aid to developing, least developed countries

Qatar participated via videoconferencing in the joint thematic event of the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) “Diversifying the Financing Toolbox to Enhance Investment in the least Developed Countries.” HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani represented Qatar in the meeting. In his speech at the meeting, HE the Foreign Minister expressed his sincere thanks to the president of the General Assembly and the president of the ECOSOC for holding this important joint event, adding that Qatar values the priority given to issues related to the least developed countries and the high place that it occupies on the agenda of the General Assembly and the ECOSOC, commending the UN support provided to these countries. HE Sheikh Mohamed pointed out that the indicators related to the negative repercussions of the global crisis resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic show the impact of this pandemic in particular on the least developed countries, the real challenge it poses that threatens the economic, social and development progress for these countries, and exacerbates the challenges that they face. He said that at a time when the world is witnessing an accelerating pace of climate risks that have negative effects on the least developed countries and based on Qatar’s awareness of the importance of supporting countries that face special challenges in this field, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani announced during the Climate Action Summit in September 2019, Qatar’s contribution of $100mn to support small island developing states and least developed countries to deal with climate change and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is implementing this pledge through partnerships and financing of projects and targeted initiatives that help on enhancing resilience and adapting to climate change.