ICE Institute Concludes Successful Week at LDC5 in Doha
The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) was held in Doha, Qatar from 4-9 March2023. The conference brought together representatives from the world’s least developed countries, as well as development partners, academia, and other stakeholders, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the LDCs and to develop a plan of action for the next decade.
The ICE Institute, a leading research and policy advocacy institute based in Somalia, was among the participants at LDC5. The Director of the Institute, Mr. Mohamed Okash, attended the conference with a high level of engagement with different stakeholders, including meeting with Her Excellency Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, the Minister of Climate and Environment. Mr. Okash also spoke at two key panel discussions on “Putting Youth at the Forefront: Paving the Way for an Enabling Environment for Youth to Thrive and Prosper” and “Unleashing the Power of Youth – Supporting Youth-Led Climate Action in LDCs.”
In his presentations, Mr. Okash shared his experiences of working with and for young people to empower them to become agents of change and accelerate climate action in the LDCs, particularly in the Horn of Africa and Somalia. He highlighted the critical role of youth in driving social and economic development, and the importance of creating an enabling environment for youth to thrive and prosper.
Mr. Okash also emphasized the need for greater investment in climate education, skills training, and entrepreneurship programs to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to sustainable development. He called on governments and development partners to prioritize youth empowerment and to work with young people as partners in development.
The ICE Institute’s participation in LDC5 reflects its commitment to promoting sustainable development and addressing the challenges faced by the world’s poorest countries. By sharing its experiences and expertise, the Institute is contributing to the global effort to build a more just and sustainable world.
Overall, LDC5 was concluded with adoption of youth declaration and Doha Programme of Actions, providing an important blueprint for accelerating and action on the sustainable development of the LDCs. The ICE Institute’s participation in the conference is a testament to the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving towards it’s mission.
