2020 review of progress made on the programme of action for the least developed countries: for the decade 2011-2020

Abstract

Of all the regions of the world, Africa has the greatest number of least developed countries (LDCs). The Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011–2020 is therefore of considerable importance to the continent. Organized along eight different priority areas, the Programme of Action sets out targets, aspirations and actions for both the LDCs and their development partners, to advance the sustainable development of those countries that contain the most vulnerable and least wealthy people of the world. The current Programme of Action outlines eight priority areas for the LDCs and development partners: Productive capacity; Agriculture, food security and rural development; Trade; Commodities; Human and social development; Multiple crises and other emerging challenges; Mobilizing financial resources for development and capacity-building; Good governance at all levels. The overarching goal of the Programme is to overcome the structural challenges faced by the LDCs to eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals, and enable graduation of the countries from the LDC category. The Programme of Action is particularly notable in the way it calls on not just the LDCs themselves, but also development partners, to commit to action in the priority areas to build a partnership for sustainable development.