Foreign ministers from least developed countries discuss poverty reduction

Addis Ababa, 13 June - Foreign ministers from the world’s 50 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) met in Cotonou, Benin, last week to discuss a plan of action aimed at poverty reduction.

The talks revolved around the Millennium Development Goals, led by implementation of the 2001 Brussels Programme of Action which is a commitment by heads of state worldwide to promote development in the LDCs by 2010.

Addressing the meeting, ECA’s Executive Secretary Abdoulie Janneh said that progress in implementing the Brussels Programme so far had not been effective.

“We all know about the huge challenges we face as LDCs,” he said. “But I dare say that these challenges are not insurmountable, provided we act now and act fast.”

Janneh’s presence in Cotonou, along with high-level representatives from UN agencies, reaffirmed a commitment by the organization to facilitate the coordination of stakeholders involved in the Brussels Programme.

The ministerial meeting is the last in a series of global review meetings leading up to the UN General Assembly in September, when member states are due to present a clear plan for accelerating implementation of the Programme. Of the globe’s 50 LDCs, 34 are in Africa.

[click here for Janneh’s speech: http://www.uneca.org/eca_resources/speeches/janneh/2006/070606speech_Abdoulie_Janneh_Cotonou.htm]