AGENDA | PRESS RELEASE | PHOTOS

Background

The world’s least developed countries (LDCs) are in a race to deliver crucial global development goals by 2030. The Istanbul  Programme  of Action for the LDCs implementation period has been completed (2011-2020). Therefore, a new conference is being held in two parts: the adoption of the new Doha Programme of Action in New York on 17 March 2022 and the main conference in Doha, Qatar, on 5-9 March 2023.

The leaders gathered at the second part of the LDC5 conference in Doha from 5 to 9 March 2023 will strive to mobilize additional international support in favor of LDCs. Furthermore, they will aim to agree on a renewed partnership between LDCs and their development partners to overcome structural challenges and deliver agreed international development goals and commitments.

Many of the commitments in the Doha Programme of Action are directly related to the availability of and access to mineral resources, including the green energy transition, the development of quality infrastructure and the creation of economic opportunities in new blue economy sectors.

A certain number of LDCs have substantial mining activities and provide a distinct percentage of metal supply. Despite this potential to start and even lead the energy transition, many require bottom-up assistance to tap into the brand-new world of deep-sea exploration.

The mandate of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), on behalf of the State Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is to regulate and control activities in the international seabed area (the Area) for the benefit of humankind and ensure equitable sharing of any proceeds. Various provisions of UNCLOS aim to make an important contribution toward addressing the economic challenges of LDCs by providing exclusive access to ocean resources. ISA also has an obligation to take measures to promote and encourage the transfer of technology and scientific knowledge relating to activities in the Area to developing States so that all States Parties benefit and have a fully integrated participation in the implementation of the regime for the Area.

About the side event

Building on the collaboration between ISA and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), this side event will address the contribution ISA could provide in ensuring effective participation of LDCs in activities in the Area. This will contribute to implementing the Doha Programme of Action, particularly connecting LDCs with science and technology and disseminating the financial and technical support it can provide to these countries. Synergies created between ISA activities and the Doha Programme of Action focus on areas 1 (Investing in people in LDCs) and 2 (Leveraging the power of science, technology and innovation).

Agenda

Opening remarks

• H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, Secretary-General, ISA

Keynote address

• Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah-Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo
• Fekita ‘Utoikamanu. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Tonga

Doha Programme of Action and Science, Technology and Innovation

• Ms Tishka Francis, Head of SIDS Sub-Programme, UN-OHRLLS

Improved regional and international cooperation

This panel will look at how improved regional and international cooperation can enhance marine scientific research capacity to leverage fully the benefits offered by the blue economy for LDCs.

• H.E. Mrs Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to ISA and to the UN
• H.E. Salman Al Farisi, Secretary-General, Indian Ocean Rim Association
• H.E. Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry, Mining, African Union

Transfer of technology

This panel will look at how transfer of technology can create the enabling conditions for LDCs to participate effectively in existing and emerging ocean sectors of the blue economy.

• Dr. Taffere Tesfachew, Acting Managing Director of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least developed Countries
• Dr. Marie Bourrel-McKinnon, Chief of Staff & Head of Strategic Planning Unit, ISA Secretariat

Strategic partnerships

This panel will look at how strategic partnerships can significantly contribute to build and develop the capacities necessary for LDCs to harness the benefits of the blue economy.

• Ms. Jorun Sigrid Nossum, Assistant Director, Section of Oceans, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation
• H.E. Mr. Henry Puna, Secretary-General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

Closing Remarks

• H.E. Mr. Abshir Omar Jama, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Internationale Cooperation, Somalia
• H.E. Mr. Michael W. Lodge, Secretary-General, International Seabed Authority