Political Declaration of the Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review of the Implementation of
the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011–2020
A/RES/70/294
Implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed
Countries for the Decade 2011–2020, are gathered here in Antalya, Turkey, from
27 to 29 May 2016 to undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of
the Istanbul Programme of Action, 2 to share best practices and lessons learned and
identify obstacles and constraints encountered and actions and initiatives needed to
overcome them, as well as new challenges and emerging issues, to reaffirm the
global commitment to address the special needs of the least developed countries
made in Istanbul, Turkey, and to further strengthen the global partnership for
development for the least developed countries in all priority areas of the Istanbul
Programme of Action in order to ensure the timely, effective and full
implementation of the Programme of Action during the remainder of the decade, in
the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 3 the Addis Ababa
Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for
Development, 4 which is an integral part of the 2030 Agenda, supports a nd
complements it and helps to contextualize its means of implementation targets with
concrete policies and actions, the Paris Agreement, 5 adopted by parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 6 and the Sendai Framework for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. 7
2.
We recognize the Comprehensive High-level Midterm Review as an
opportunity to highlight the concrete measures, initiatives, partnerships and actions
that various stakeholders have undertaken to date to support the implemen tation of
the Istanbul Programme of Action and to launch other concrete measures, initiatives
and partnerships, individually or collectively, that have the potential to further
progress the implementation of the Programme of Action, building on the
momentum of recent and relevant United Nations meetings, agendas and
conferences and the decisions adopted therein.
3.
We recognize that over the past few decades the world has witnessed
remarkable socioeconomic progress, with most of the Millennium Development
Goals and targets achieved globally. However, not all countries have fully shared in
this global progress. Performances among the least developed countries were mixed.
The majority of the least developed countries, which constitute the poorest and most
vulnerable group of countries, were not able to achieve most of the Millennium
Development Goals. Nevertheless, many of the least developed countries have
adopted stronger policies, strengthened governance and achieved substantial gains
in reducing the prevalence of extreme poverty and improved health and education
outcomes. Progress towards the Millennium Development Goals and other
internationally agreed development goals was slowest in the least developed
countries in conflict and post-conflict situations; those countries require contextspecific approaches, including targeted national policies and international support.
4.
We recognize that, despite the many challenges and constraints, the least
developed countries represent an enormous human and natural r esource potential for
world economic growth, welfare, prosperity and food and energy security.
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2
Report of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, Istanbul, Turkey,
9–13 May 2011 (A/CONF.219/7), chap. II.
3
Resolution 70/1.
4
Resolution 69/313, annex.
5
See FCCC/CP/2015/10/Add.1, decision 1/CP.21, annex.
6
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1771, No. 30822.
7
Resolution 69/283, annex II.
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