A senior Cambodian official has requested the support of UN agencies in ensuring Cambodia has a smooth and sustainable graduation from least developed country (LDC) status by 2029.
Senior Minister Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), met with Rabab Fatima, UN undersecretary-general and representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), on March 31.
During the meeting, Thuch, who also serves as president of the National Committee for ESCAP, requested a partnership with UN-OHRLLS to ensure a smooth transition, according to the CMAA.
Fatima committed to providing full support, it added.
Cambodia is hosting the Asia-Pacific Regional Mid-term Review of the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries from March 31 to April 1. The event is being organised by the Cambodian ESCAP committee, in collaboration with UN-ESCAP and the UN-OHRLLS.
Thuch noted some of the challenges currently faced by many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including unemployment, climate change and many issues remaining from the Covid-19 pandemic.
He explained that the Doha Programme has six priority areas: investing in people; strengthening science, technology, and innovation; supporting structural transformation; expanding trade and regional integration; building climate resilience; and mobilising international partnerships.
He added that to solve regional issues, it is necessary to strengthen social protection, bridge the digital divide, support entrepreneurship and industries that create sustainable jobs, build resilience to climate change and strengthen partnerships to support growth.
Cambodia is set to graduate from LDC status and become a Lower-Middle Income country in December 2029.