PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
New York, 27.09.25 – Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, S.C, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia chaired the Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the United Nations, challenging the global community to view the 46-nation bloc not as a burden but as the world’s greatest hope for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, culminated in the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration issuing an urgent call for immediate debt relief, scaled-up climate finance, and a transformed global partnership to deliver on the promises of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA).
The meeting was attended by Her Excellency, Ms. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary General, Her Excellency, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly and Her Excellency Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under Secretary-General for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The meeting convened Foreign Ministers and representatives of LDCs, together with the Friends of LDCs and development partners, who gather to share both their successes and the challenges that have emerged amidst ongoing global crises.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Haimbe challenged the global narrative, framing the 46 LDCs not as a challenge but as the world’s next growth frontier and the greatest hope for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) decade.
He emphasized that investing in LDCs represents a win-win opportunity for global sustainable development, driven by innovation and partnership.
The Minister outlined a dual narrative of sobering challenges and transformative opportunity for the 46 LDCs.
The Minister highlighted critical gaps, including LDCs’ average economic growth of 4.1 percent, which falls far below the SDG target of 7 percent, an alarming $585.9 billion external debt burden, and deeply concerning education completion rates.
Hon. Haimbe also highlighted the recent Sevilla Commitment on financing and stressed that promises must become tangible support.
He affirmed that delivering on the promise of sustainable development for LDCs is the ultimate test of international resolve, demanding unity, urgency, and innovation from all partners.
In the Ministerial Declaration, the Ministers issued an urgent call for a transformed global partnership.
The declaration highlights critical priorities, including immediate debt relief for the group’s $585.9 billion external debt burden, scaled-up climate finance, and support for key Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) deliverables such as a food stockholding mechanism and an online university.
The Ministers reaffirmed their solidarity and invited all development partners to participate in the comprehensive mid-term review of the DPoA to be held in Doha in 2027.
The 2025 Annual Ministerial Meeting of LDCs is of pivotal importance. It presents a vital platform to take stock of DPoA implementation, identify persistent and emerging gaps, and mobilize strategic actions and partnerships needed to accelerate progress, strengthen resilience, and promote inclusive, sustainable development.
The meeting was strategically positioned directly following the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development held in Seville three months ago and prior to the forthcoming Social Development Summit to leverage momentum, collective commitment, and fresh approaches as the world prepares for the DPoA Mid-Term Review in Doha in March 2027.
Issued by:
Namatama Njekwa
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations
