HH the Amir said, “In the context of our discussion of the urgent international crises and their dire repercussions on the least developed countries, the debt crisis, which crippled the course of growth and development in these countries, is strongly evident. Here, we value the efforts made by the G-20, especially the extraordinary summit of leaders hosted by Saudi Arabia on COVID-19, and the steps taken under the Italian presidency regarding the debt service suspension period for the poorest countries.”
However, the debt issue needs to be addressed more comprehensively, in a way that takes into consideration justice and pragmatism to break the vicious circle through which countries opt to borrow for developmental purposes such as building the infrastructure, and so on. Debt repayment exacerbates poverty and prevents development projects’ implementation.
With regard to the climate crisis, the Sharm El-Sheikh summit held in Egypt made an achievement in establishing the loss and damage fund allocated to assist and support developing countries. And based on our commitment to combating climate change and the internationally approved policies in this regard, we aspire that the advanced industrial countries fulfil their legal and moral responsibilities in taking more effective and efficient decisions and measures on emissions.
HH the Amir said, “The State of Qatar takes pride in continuing its active role in multilateral international action across the fields of development, humanitarian, human rights, and mediation to promote international peace and security.
“In this context, and based on our National Vision 2030, which upholds the values and principles of cooperation, partnership, and solidarity in helping countries, peoples, and communities suffering from humanitarian crises, conflicts, poverty, and debts, the State of Qatar has made a lot of humanitarian and development contributions in accordance with the formulas of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially within the framework of strategic partnerships with the United Nations and other leading international institutions.”
HH the Amir added, “Based on Qatar’s firm commitment to supporting the development process of the least developed countries, I announce a financial contribution of a total amount of $60 million, of which $10 million will be allocated for supporting the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action activities for the least developed countries, and $50 million will be allocated for supporting the intended outcomes of the Doha Programme of Action and building resilience potential in the least developed countries. I urge the development partners to follow the example of Qatar and take the initiative to support the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action as part of our humanitarian and development duty towards the peoples of the least developed countries.”
“We are confident that this conference, and by means of building on the successes achieved in the course of realising growth, prosperity and creating sustainable livelihoods, will contribute to supporting the least developed countries’ march towards achieving development therein for the next ten years, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
HH the Amir said, “In conclusion, I welcome you again to Doha, the city that offers a spacious ambience for mediations, debates, multilateral conferences, cultural activity and intellectual production, the city that has recently witnessed the most successful World Cup tournament ever, wishing this conference to realise its desired goals and achieve the aspirations of the peoples of these countries whose attention is focused on what would come out from this important conference.”
