Ambassador Bairagi wants UNCTAD realize LDCs' hardships

THT ONLINE

KATHMANDU: Permanent Representative of Nepal as the Coordinator of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Shanker D. Bairagi stressed that the LDCs are not asking for the best of affluence but are seeking to meet the minimum developmental standards of their people, and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has a special responsibility to assist LDCs in their development process.

“The graduation from LDC status is our legitimate aspiration and the international community cannot afford to remain silent when a large chunk of humanity is still grappling with dehumanizing condition of poverty and hunger,” said Bairagi while addressing the 25th special session of the Trade and Development Board of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Monday.

Stating that LDCs is the special category of states in the UN system characterized by extreme vulnerabilities in every development aspect, Mr. Bairagi emphasized that the LDCs require special consideration in all areas that relate to trade and development.

He invited UNCTAD memberships to understand LDCs’ hardships and generously accommodate their concerns during the process of negotiation for UNCTAD XIII so that its outcome would do justice to the millions of the poor in LDCs.

Bairagi focused on the ongoing preparatory process for the Thirteenth Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII) scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar in April 21-26, 2012 and expressed his views on how the Conference can contribute to the realization of the renewed and strengthened global partnership for the development of the LDCs as pledged in the IPoA.

The Conference provides an excellent opportunity for the international community to reaffirm commitment for global partnership for development of LDCs, he added.