Agreement reached on support for the least developed countries in Istanbul
Press release 146/2011
13.5.2011
The Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries held in Istanbul on 9–13 May unanimously approved a programme of action aiming to improve the position of the least developed countries.
The programme of action places heavy emphasis, for instance, on strengthening production capacity and developing agriculture in the least developed countries. The countries themselves set an ambitious objective, according to which half would succeed in raising themselves from the least developed countries’ group during the next decade.
The rise of emerging economies, such as China and Brazil, in supporting developing countries became a central theme in preparing the programme of action. With regard to development financing, the commitment was made to channel financing and other support in a way that supports developing countries’ own resources. Development cooperation financing for the least developed countries will be reviewed anew in 2015.
The Finnish delegation at the conference was led by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen. In her speech she stressed balance between the economic, social and ecological dimensions of sustainable development. The delegation also included Minister of Communications Suvi Lindén and a broad range of delegates representing government ministries, civil society and business.
Finland played a central role in negotiations concerning the programme of action; these negotiations were led by UN Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen. The delegation had a strong and active role at various forums of the conference.
Finland directs more than a third of the country’s public development aid to the least developed countries. Finland’s bilateral support to these countries has increased fourfold in the past ten years’ time.
Additional information: Head of Unit Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, mobile tel. +358 40 721 7159, and Counsellor Jarl-Håkan Rosengren, mobile tel. +358 40 354 7549
- Speech by president Halonen(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)
- The Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)