KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana has called on the Group of 77 (G77) and China to extend support to least developed countries (LDCs) and landlocked nations as they confront pressing economic challenges impeding their progress toward the 2030 Development Agenda.
Speaking at the G77 and China annual meeting on Friday in New York, held alongside the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, she underscored the urgent need for increased financial assistance to help these nations tackle issues such as climate change, economic crises, epidemics, and natural disasters.
As chair of the group of LDCs, Dr. Rana highlighted the difficulties these countries face in fulfilling the development agenda, stating, “With only six years remaining, LDCs and landlocked countries have managed to achieve only about 17 percent of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Special support is needed to accelerate progress.”
She urged the G77 and China to promote inclusive economic growth in LDCs, expedite the development agenda, and address health challenges while mitigating the impacts of climate change and other crises.
Dr. Rana noted that declining investments, reduced foreign aid, and a lack of innovative financing exacerbate the challenges faced by these countries.
She emphasized that Nepal, set to graduate from LDC status to a middle-income nation by 2026, will require enhanced economic and technical assistance from bilateral and multilateral partners and donors.
The minister called on the G77, which represents about 60 percent of the global population affiliated with the United Nations, and China to take a leading role in supporting these countries and promoting global development.
Additionally, Dr. Rana participated in an informal meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), where attendees discussed recent activities, mutual interests, and future cooperation among member states.
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