Closing statement by Ms. Rabab Fatima at the Second Preparatory Committee of LLDC3 Conference

Distinguished Co-Chairs of the Preparatory Committee,

Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,

I thank you, Co-Chairs, for your kind words, directed towards me and my colleagues.

I also thank all the delegates for their words of appreciation.

 It has indeed been a privilege to support this process, and to see its successful conclusion. 

With the Programme of Action finalized and agreed upon by consensus, we can now shift our attention to the preparation of the Conference. A crucial aspect is the drafting of a short political declaration.  I believe that the host country will start this task shortly.  The objective will be to reiterate the collective vision and commitments of LLDCs, transit countries, and their development partners for the effective implementation of the new Programme of Action.

As we already have a POA well ahead of the Conference, we shall now prioritize on developing a strategic roadmap, along with a results framework for implementation.  

The LLDC3 Conference will be an excellent opportunity to discuss and finalize the strategy to implement the new POA, along with the necessary means and tools to achieve our goals and targets.

To translate our collective ambition, we need to pursue a well-coordinated approach, leveraging the expertise and resources of all stakeholders.  We must focus on building strong partnerships, fostering innovation, and mobilizing the necessary financial and technical support to translate our ambitions into reality.

We will rally the entire UN system to provide coordinated and coherent support for the successful implementation of the POA.

I commend those countries that have generously contributed to the Trust Fund in support of the Conference and its preparatory process. Your contributions have been invaluable in ensuring the progress we have made thus far. However, to ensure the smooth convening of the LLDC3 with active participation from LLDCs and other stakeholders, I would call upon other development partners to come forward with contributions to the Trust Fund. Your commitment and generosity are crucial for the success of this Conference and the effective implementation of our collective agenda.

Excellencies,

I deeply appreciate the gracious offer from the Government of Botswana to host LLDC3 in the fourth quarter of 2024. This will enable us to keep the extraordinary momentum generated in favour of LLDCs and the Conference.

I take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Rwanda and its Permanent Mission in New York for their tireless efforts in support of the preparation of the Conference.

We fully understand that due to some scheduling conflicts, Rwanda is unable to host the Conference in 2024.

As we move forward, we fully count on Rwanda’s continued support in the preparations of the Conference. 

I will ensure full support of the UN system to Botswana to ensure a successful conference.

I understand, the G77 is considering the draft resolution to decide on the new date and venue, which will need to be endorsed by the General Assembly soon.

A new invitation letter from the Secretary-General will be sent following the adoption of the resolution.

I also intend to lead the first UN inter-departmental planning mission to Gaborone soon.

Excellencies,

Good progress is being made on other preparatory tracks for the Conference, including those on: the civil society, private sector, youth, parliamentarians, a South-South Cooperation Ministerial Meeting, a “women leaders’ meeting”, side events, and UN principals meeting.   

These are all in an advanced stage of preparation.  You will find updated information and documents in our dedicated website for LLDC3. 

In due course, we will hold a detailed briefing on the organizational and logistical preparations for the Conference, to provide you with an update on the preparations. 

Excellencies,

By working together with determination and a shared sense of purpose, I am confident that we will deliver a highly successful LLDC3 Conference, with an ambitious outcome that can achieve the transformative changes as envisioned in the Programme of Action.

Let us continue to collaborate closely and support each other in this endeavor, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all LLDCs.

In closing, Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, let me reiterate that it is imperative to have highest-level political participation at the Conference to show solidarity and commitment to advance the new LLDC agenda for the next decade. 

I thank you.