Bangladesh adviser urges stronger global support for LDCs to achieve SDGs

Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has called for stronger international solidarity, increased concessional financing and reforms to the global financial architecture to help Least Developed Countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure smooth graduation from the LDC category.

Speaking on behalf of the Group of LDCs at the High-Level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council in New York on Monday, July 13, Titumir reaffirmed the group's commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Doha Programme of Action.

He said progress towards the SDGs remains seriously off track, with LDCs facing challenges from climate change, rising debt burdens, shrinking fiscal space, declining ODA, widening digital divides and limited access to affordable finance.

Titumir said 14 LDCs are currently at different stages of the graduation process and require sustained international support. Referring to Bangladesh and Nepal, he noted that both countries have sought a three-year extension of their preparatory period until November 2029 due to unprecedented political, macroeconomic, environmental and external shocks.

He described the DPoA Mid-Term Review scheduled in Doha next year as a crucial opportunity to strengthen global partnerships and urged participation at the highest political level.

Presenting the LDC Group's five priority areas, Titumir called for increased affordable concessional financing, reform of the international financial architecture, accessible climate finance, protection of market access for LDC exports, and stronger global cooperation to bridge digital divides.

He concluded that the challenges confronting LDCs are a test of international solidarity and reaffirmed the LDC Group's commitment to working with all partners for sustainable development.