New York, April 22 — Representatives of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group Bureau met with António Guterres, calling for urgent and strengthened international support as global crises continue to impact the world’s most vulnerable nations.
During the meeting, the LDC Group expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General’s leadership and consistent support for LDCs. Speaking on behalf of the group, the Bureau emphasized that LDCs are bearing the brunt of multiple global challenges.
They highlighted declining trade, reduced investment, and falling Official Development Assistance (ODA), alongside worsening climate impacts, limited access to technology, shrinking fiscal space, and rising debt burdens — all of which are putting years of development progress at serious risk.
The group stressed the need for a stronger and better-resourced United Nations Development System, with enhanced and dedicated support mechanisms for LDCs. They urged the global community to translate solidarity into predictable and meaningful action to ensure no country is left behind.
Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), underscored that the current global environment demands urgent and coordinated multilateral action. He noted that the challenges facing LDCs are not isolated, but deeply interconnected with global economic stability and sustainable development.
“LDCs are at the frontline of today’s crises, yet they have the least capacity to respond,” he stated. “A strengthened multilateral system, backed by adequate financing and political will, is essential to protect development gains and accelerate progress.”
He further emphasized that international cooperation must move beyond commitments to delivery, ensuring that support for LDCs is not only increased but also predictable and accessible.
