Business at the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries #LDC5

Five intense days of fruitful exchanges come to an end for the private sector in Doha (Qatar), with a handful of #partnerships forged with key stakeholders aiming at overcoming structural challenges, tackling obstacles to economic growth and involving the private sector as an essential partner to achieve development goals in the Least Developed Countries (#LDCs)!

Delegates had the opportunity to hold meetings with high-level representatives from the @United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Microsoft?Philanthropies and the United Nations?Economic and Social Council. The Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry also warmly welcomed our delegation and set the course for enhanced cooperation.

Business representatives from IOE members in LDCs had the opportunity to contribute to the 3-day Private Sector Forum co-hosted by our partner Microsoft. Some of the areas requiring more private sector engagement include scalable and affordable projects, more public-private partnerships, blended financing and digital connectivity.

IOE also showcased its joint flagship project Tech@Work in International Telecommunication Union's?#Partner2Connect initiative and beyond, and could highlight how it is advancing with training 20,000 youth on?#digital?and?#SoftSkills?in various LCDs.

Finally, under the theme "Moving the needle: Advancing our Common Agenda with Business", IOE also organised a side event together with the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) and other stakeholders. The President of our members from Mali sent a strong message resonating with the audience: It's time to move from aid to private investment. LDCs need investment, access to finance, infrastructure and security instead of bilateral or multilateral aid.

We thank all our members, partners, stakeholders and staff involved in such a herculean mission and look forward to seeing the fruits of this work on the ground!

?? Here's the private sector 5-point strategy for LDCs ?? https://bit.ly/BusinessatLDC5-2023

?? Check all photos here ???https://bit.ly/BusinessatLDC5-Photos

#BusinessatLDC5 #VoiceofBusiness