The Kigali Programme of Action to Chart a Proper Path for LLDC’s economic growth & Development- Mrs. Rabab Fatima

Unless a robust and sustainable roadmap is established for landlocked and developing countries to prosper, a significant global population is likely to remain in a vulnerable state, hindering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

The Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) continue to face a wide range of issues, especially the lack of access to the global marketplace, inadequate transport and logistics infrastructure, heavy overdependence on neighboring countries, and insufficient ICT infrastructure, among others. These challenges pose significant obstacles to the realization of the SDGs.

To tackle these issues, Mrs. Rabab Fatima, the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the UN OHRLLS, believes that the United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries will provide a suitable platform for all stakeholders to convene and discuss potential solutions to the aforementioned challenges.

“The Kigali Programme of Action will be defining the state of affairs and how we respond to the particular priorities and challenges of the landlocked developing countries for the next decade”. She said.

Mrs. Rabab made these statements in an exclusive interview with the UN Resident Coordinator's Office during her visit to Rwanda. During her visit, she held multiple meetings with various high-level government officials, including Honorable Dr. Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Honorable Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning; and Honorable Donathile Mukabalisa, Speaker of the Rwanda Parliament, among others. The purpose of these discussions was to strategize and prepare for the upcoming conference in Kigali, scheduled to take place from June 18-24, 2024.

The Under-Secretary-General emphasized that countries are currently in the process of recovering from the enduring impacts of COVID-19, which have also affected many landlocked developing countries. She highlighted that, similar to the previous conferences, the 3rd Conference will result in the creation of a 10-year action plan to provide guidance to landlocked developing countries on how to effectively address the challenges impeding their development.

“It’s an opportunity to reflect on what we have been able to achieve over the last 10 years but also look at the new challenges, and the new priorities for the landlocked developing countries and see how best we can have an actionable forward-looking new programme”.

The 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries is a great opportunity that will open an opportunity to explore innovative solutions and build meaningful partnerships to unlock the potential of landlocked developing countries in different parts of the world.

It is believed that innovative solutions combined with strategic partnerships, and increased investment by both the government and private sector could be among the solutions to address these existing impediments.

During the Africa regional review meeting recently held prior to the 3rd Conference on LLDCs Conference in Gaborone capital, Botswana, Ozonnia Ojielo the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Rwanda underscored the urgent need to mobilize resources and capacities that could help address the issues hampering Landlocked and developing countries across the world.

He further said that the UN system is ready to partner up with the government of Rwanda and other stakeholders to successfully organize the upcoming international conference in Kigali.

To ensure smooth preparations of the conference, Mrs. Fatima, visited various venues Rwanda has put forward to host this important global gathering.

“Rwanda has been a host to a large number of international meetings, it has the facilities and capacity, I have had a sampling of that, I am confident that Rwanda is ready” she declared.

Before she ended her visit, Mrs. Rabab Fatima held an interactive session with the United Nations Country Team where they discussed strategic issues including how to work together towards achieving a successful upcoming conference next year.

The conference will be the first of this kind to be held in Africa.