LDCs Future Forum 2025 Convenes in Zambia to Shape Resilient and Sustainable Futures for Least Developed Countries
New York, Lusaka – 1 April 2025 – The third edition of the LDC Future Forum opened today in Zambia, Lusaka bringing together policymakers, researchers, the private sector, and other stakeholders to chart a path toward sustainable development and resilience for the world’s most vulnerable nations.
Senior Government Officials and experts from the 44 Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have gathered at the three-day Forum (1-3 April) to exchange concrete innovative solutions and practical policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the resilience of LDCs. Under the theme “Enhancing Resilience: Innovative Solutions for Strengthening LDCs Resilience against Systemic Shocks,” the forum aligns with Priority 5 of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA), which focuses on addressing climate change, environmental degradation, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and building resilience against future shocks for risk-informed sustainable development.
Organized by UN-OHRLLS, the Government of Finland, and the Government of Zambia, in collaboration with UNU-WIDER, OECD and Ferdi, the forum will feature a High-level Dialogue focusing on the critical need for financing to bolster LDCs’ resilience against various challenges. LDCs often grapple with limited domestic resources, hindering their ability to weather economic downturns, natural disasters, and health emergencies. Moreover, accessing international capital markets proves daunting due to low creditworthiness and perceived risks. The participation of women and girls in these discussions will be key to developing holistic and inclusive solutions.
Leaders’ Perspectives
Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, emphasized the significance of the forum:
“The LDC Future Forum is taking place for the first time in an LDC, offering a unique opportunity to galvanize global support for the world’s most vulnerable countries as they navigate the challenges of an ever-changing global landscape. By uniting stakeholders from across sectors, this forum aims to create actionable pathways for enhancing LDCs resilience against systemic shocks,” adding that “UNOHRLLS remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting LDCs in this journey towards achieving the goals of the Doha Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda.”
Highlighting Finland’s commitment to supporting LDCs through collaborative efforts, H.E. Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of Finland, said:
“The Third LDC Future Forum is a good opportunity for a wide range of actors to get together to share concrete solutions and practical policy recommendations to improve the resilience of the LDCs. The aim of the Forum is to help the LDCs to better prepare for systemic shocks, such as economic instability and health crises. With special emphasis on gender equality, these discussions will contribute to developing holistic and inclusive solutions. Finland is glad to co-organize this LDC Future Forum in Lusaka, and I am happy to participate along many Finnish actors.”
Echoing Zambia’s dedication to championing LDCs’ causes, Hon. Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia, stated:
“Hosting the LDC Future Forum in Lusaka is a testament to Zambia’s commitment to advancing the interests of Least Developed Countries. This forum will provide a platform to craft solutions that empower our people, strengthen our economies, and build resilience against future challenges.”
Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Hon. Minister of Finance of Zambia, added:
“This forum is a call to action for the global community to support LDCs in achieving their development aspirations. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable financing, we can build resilient economies that withstand systemic shocks and create opportunities for all.”
For his part, H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the United Nations and Chair of the LDC Group, said that “this Forum represents a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships, share innovative solutions, and amplify the collective voice of LDCs on the global stage. Together, we must ensure that the challenges faced by the most vulnerable are met with bold commitments and actionable strategies, leaving no one behind in our pursuit of prosperity and resilience.”
Forum Highlights
The forum will feature four thematic sessions addressing key areas:
- Climate-smart agriculture practices to improve food security and ensure sustainable agricultural development.
- Sustainable water and energy solutions to enhance resilience.
- Circular economy and green industrialization to promote diversification and resilience.
- Targeted social protection programs to strengthen resilience to multiple shocks.
A High-level Dialogue will focus on financing strategies to support more resilient economies in LDCs, addressing the critical need for resources to combat economic instability, natural disasters, and health emergencies. Additionally, a Fireside Chat with the Private Sector will explore how businesses can drive the transition toward a circular economy, fostering sustainable development and resilience in LDCs. Discussions will include strategies for transitioning to a circular economy, building local capacity and skills, ensuring supply chain sustainability, and promoting women’s participation in corporate sustainability planning.
A Step Forward for LDCs
The Third LDC Future Forum represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration and innovation to address the unique challenges faced by LDCs. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the forum aims to develop actionable solutions that will contribute to sustainable development and resilience building in these countries.
For more information about the forum, please visit the official website:
https://www.un.org/ohrlls/ldc-future-forum-2025
——————————————————————————————————————
About UNOHRLLS
The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS) is dedicated to advocating for the sustainable development of LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. It promotes global awareness of their unique challenges and mobilizes international support for their development priorities.
Key Links:
Social Media:
Please follow any highlights and updates for Least Development Countries using hashtags #LDCs, #LDCFutureForum, and #Resilience.
- Facebook: UN-OHRLLS
- X (formerly Twitter): @UNOHRLLS, @USGRabab_UN
- Instagram: @unohrlls
- LinkedIn: UN-OHRLLS
Media Contact:
- May Yaacoub, Head of Advocacy and Outreach, Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States; Email: yaacoubm@un.org.
- Sithembile Hillary Siziba, Public Information Officer, Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States: sithembile.siziba@un.org
