Supporting Least Developed Countries

ESCWA strives to strengthen partnerships in support of sustainable development of Arab Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the context of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries.

ESCWA has launched a regional process to gather the views of Arab LDCs, ESCWA donors, and specialized regional agencies and bodies. Our objective is to identify common positions between Arab countries to support the design and implementation of the 2020-2030 Programme of Action for Arab LDCs.

Our approach

ESCWA approach to supporting Arab LDCs is grounded in regional cooperation, national ownership and evidence-based policymaking. Building on regional dialogue and analytical work, ESCWA assists LDCs in strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing policy coherence and integrating global development frameworks into their national planning processes. The approach places particular emphasis on aligning national priorities with the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) and advancing implementation through coordinated support at both the regional and country levels.

This strategy combines regional coordination, targeted technical assistance and thematic interventions, while remaining adaptable to each country’s unique circumstances, fragility challenges and development needs. 

Our partners

Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen

Our activities

By fostering connections among Arab least developed countries—Mauritania, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen and various regional and international partners, ESCWA facilitated the exchange of experiences and best practices. In addition, ESCWA released a report that highlighted successful regional partnership practices, assessed progress in implementing the Istanbul Programme of Action (2011–2020), and reviewed humanitarian and development aid provided by Arab countries and institutions. ESCWA expanded its support to Arab LDCs in the context of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) through coordinated regional, national and thematic interventions aimed to enhance resilience, institutional readiness, and sustainable development in Arab LDCs, aligning with regional and global commitments.

Key support areas :

• Regional coordination with UNOHRLLS for DPoA implementation and review 
• Diagnostic assessments, roundtables and preparation of review inputs
• Strengthening national planning, institutional capacity and policy coherence
• Support for statistical systems, SDG reporting and data governance
• Promotion of inclusive development, including social protection, gender equality and social justice
• Support for digital transformation and emerging technology frameworks
• Context-specific assistance, including recovery planning and sustainable energy transition
• Support for operationalizing the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (Triple Nexus) through a risk-informed Human Security approach and coordinated national dialogue