Welcome to the United Nations
Part I: Africa, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries (15:00 to 16:30)
Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the SDGs is crucial for African countries, least developed countries (LDCs), and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). These countries all face unique challenges that require tailored approaches to sustainable development, including in areas such as strengthening healthcare systems and improving access to essential medicines; ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities; promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth by enhancing productive capacities and fostering innovation; and boosting food security and coastal livelihoods through sustainable management of fisheries and protection of marine ecosystems. For LLDCs, improving infrastructure and connectivity is also vital to overcome geographical barriers and facilitate trade.
Proposed guiding questions:
- How can African countries, LDCs and LLDCs build resilience against economic and environmental shocks as well as the effects of conflicts?
- What policies and frameworks are necessary to ignite economic growth and support long-term sustainable development in African countries, LDCs and LLDCs?
- What needs to be done to implement the outcome of the LLDC Conference? What innovative public-private partnership models can be developed to mobilize and expand financing for SDG initiatives in African countries, LDCs and LLDCs?
Part II: Middle-Income Countries (16:30 to 18:00)
More than half the world's countries are classified as "middle-income countries" or MICs. They include around 75 per cent of the world's population and accounted for over 57 per cent of global GDP in 2024. MICs face the challenge of transitioning to growth models that achieve higher living standards and overcome the "middle-income trap." This transition requires significant investments from both public and private sources. However, MICs are constrained by limited fiscal space and high costs of accessing international financial markets, with restricted access to concessional finance due to their middle-income status. Detailed, multi-dimensional needs assessments beyond GDP per capita are necessary to inform policies and increase international cooperation. Innovative financing mechanisms and revitalized multilateral cooperation for global public goods, such as climate change mitigation and financial architecture reform, are essential to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities faced by MICs.
Proposed guiding questions:
- Historically, MICs have faced difficulties in maintaining sufficient gross domestic product per capita growth to raise living standards to levels associated with developed countries. In today’s global context, marked by recurrent crises, stronger protectionism, limited access to finance and weaker multilateralism, how can middle-income countries make faster and longer-lasting progress?
- How can middle-income countries break structural barriers and achieve sustained, sustainable and inclusive growth, including through digital transformation? What have we learned from successful cases?
- What are some of the greatest challenges that middle-income countries face in harnessing digital technologies and AI, and what strategies can be employed to mitigate these challenges?
- How can international cooperation and South-South digital cooperation support the digital transition in middle-income countries? What are some successful examples?
