The Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) adopted at
the Fourth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in
Istanbul, Turkey in May 2011, constitutes an ambitious policy agenda
agreed by the international community to address the challenges faced
by the LDCs, based on the fundamental tenets of mutual accountability
and enhanced international cooperation.
The overarching goal of the IPoA is to
overcome the structural challenges faced by the LDCs in order to
eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals
and enable graduation from the LDC category. It also recognizes that
the LDCs represent an enormous potential for world economic growth,
stability and prosperity.
As the midpoint of the decade-long
programme of action draws near, the UN General Assembly decided to
hold the comprehensive high-level Mid-Term Review of the
implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, which will take
place from 27 to 29 May, 2016, in Antalya, Turkey (see resolution A/RES/69/231 on the "Follow-up to the Fourth
United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries").
Participation shall be at the highest possible political level.
The high-level Mid-Term review shall
result in an inter-governmentally negotiated and agreed outcome in
the form of a political declaration. The review will undertake an
assessment of the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action
by the LDCs and their development partners. It will share best practices
and lessons learned and identify obstacles, constraints and actions
and initiatives needed to overcome them, as well as new challenges
and emerging issues.
The Mid-Term Review will also serve to
reaffirm the global commitment to address the special needs of the
LDCs and to further strengthen the global partnership for development
for LDCs in all priority areas of the Istanbul Programme of Action in
order to ensure its timely and effective implementation during the
remainder of the Decade. Synergies with the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the COP-21
agreements will be explores to accelerate implementation.
Please
apply to attend by 25 April 2016, and follow our social media
accounts below for updates.
