UN Conference on Least Developed Countries | Microsoft Announces Digital Literacy Programs | Extending High-Speed Internet Coverage to 20 Million People in Africa by 2025
LDCs: 46 countries that account for 13% of the world’s population, but only about 1.5% of global GDP and less than 1% of global trade.
Week Ahead
Least Developed Countries Conference 5-9 March
WTO: Trade Supporting LDCs’ Economic Development
The Doha Programme of Action for LDCs calls for trade as an engine of economic development. At the Fifth United Nations Conference on Least-Developed Countries (LDC5), taking place in Doha, Qatar, from 5 to 9 March, WTO’s Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang will address LDCs’ trade priorities, in a series of events.
For the full agenda of WTO’s participation at LDC5 click here.
8 March: International Women’s Day
Tweet of the Week: World Food Program, Zimbabwe
Presented by Microsoft
As part of an ongoing commitment to the mission and ambition of the United Nations, Microsoft is proud to serve as the co-chair of its LDC5 Private Sector Forum where we will explore ways that digital development can become a reality. Learn more here.
By Brad Smith, Vice Chair & President, Microsoft
On March 5, the United Nations Secretary-General will convene leaders from around the world, civil society and the private sector in Doha, Qatar, with the goal of accelerating sustainable development for the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Fifty years after the LDCs were classified by the UN as nations most in need of social, economic and environmental opportunities to create growth, these 46 countries combined account for 13% of the world’s population, but only about 1.5% of global GDP and less than 1% of global trade. It is clear that more needs to be done.