Doha, March 05 (QNA) - Experts and participants in the high-level open dialogue of the Private Sector Forum (PSF) stressed the need to establish innovative partnerships for the development of the private sector in the least developed countries (LDCs), noting that the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs attaches special importance to the private sector.
Participants in the dialogue held in Doha today, taking place on the sidelines of the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) stressed the importance of focusing on issues of sustainable development, climate change, internet connectivity, sustainable energy, financing, investment, innovation and building effective partnerships amongst the public and private sectors and United Nations to make a difference in the lives of the population of the LDCs.
In this regard, HE Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani said during his speech at the conference that PSF constitutes a decadal unique occasion to take action and establish innovative partnerships for the development of the private sector in LDCs, and to strengthen the private sector's role in addressing existing challenges, noting that PSF along with all of LDC5's events is a very important opportunity to bring about the needed transformation of LDCs.
He expressed his pleasure that the Qatar Chamber had the opportunity of organizing this forum along with the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), together with Microsoft, hoping that the Forum meets its objectives and tangibly supports LDCs efforts.
HE Qatar Chamber Chairman pointed out that the Chamber is taking the opportunity to participate in this important forum to emphasize its tireless efforts in providing all kinds of services to support the private sector and enable it to enhance its contributions to economic activity in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and facilitating the work of private sector companies and institutions in order to provide the best possible business environment.
He noted that the State of Qatar played a distinguished role and hosted many important and fruitful United Nations conferences, such as LDC5, being a historic and unique forum that provides a platform for the voice of all interested stakeholders to be heard, including that of the private sector.
He pointed out that while the private sector plays a vital role in creating opportunities for the realization of potential and accelerating sustainable growth in LDCs over the next decade, only that the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs has given special significance to this sector and affirmed the commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector, in order to make full use of its innovative capacity, encouraging greater investment in science, technology and innovation for development.
He expressed his confidence that PSF, which will be held over three days, is characterized by diverse and high-level participation, and will add to the various high-level and multi-stakeholder sessions and topics, providing a forum for direct interaction between representatives of the private sector, participating delegations, international financial institutions, donor countries and multilateral organizations.
HE Qatar Chamber Chairman noted that tapping into LDCs great potential making their economies prosperous and competitive, requires the full and effective participation of all LDCs stakeholders, with international support's measures and procedures for helping LDCs being an important step towards that end.
He stressed the need to take advantage of all opportunities provided by LDC5, to come together and join hands with more than one billion people living in these countries, to empower LDCs private sector, and strengthen partnerships to stimulate sustained, inclusive, and equitable economic growth for the people of LDCs.
In turn, HE Microsoft Corporation Vice Chair and President Brad Smith highlighted the opportunity to use technology to generate electricity and build new partnerships with UN organizations, in order to improve and enhance the skills of young people who make up the largest percentage of the population of LDCs, pointing out the importance of using Artificial intelligence to increase LDCs population's productive capacity and provide them with information and assistance.
In the same context, the participants in the session stressed the importance of openness to technology, investment, building partnerships, and increasing commitment towards LDCs, stressing that the digital sector is crucial for advancing the process of sustainable development and that providing LDCs populations access to electricity, the Internet, digital technology, and the provision of financing, will improve the lives of these countries' peoples. (QNA)