Zambia, UN agree to work together on common solutions for 46 least developed countries

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambia and the UN agreed Saturday to work together to find common solutions to development challenges affecting the 46 least developed countries (LDC).

Among issues cited in a meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were the economy, peace and security, human capital, health care and free education.

"We are grateful that the UN has continued to advocate for Zambia and other LDCs in highlighting our plight, which includes high cost of capital that has restricted growth. To achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development, the 46 LDCs needed robust investments in health, education and social protection systems," Hichilema tweeted after the meeting on the sidelines of the fifth UN conference on LDCs in Qatar.

Hichilema said he reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the ideals of the UN as the southern African nation believed in the multilateralism that came with the organization.

"We pledged to support the UN in our role as incoming chair of the Southern African Development Community Organ on Politics, Peace and Security-TROIKA and address the areas of conflict in the region," he said.

The conference is aimed at helping states overcome structural challenges, eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals and enable graduation from the LDC category.

Ahead of the conference, Guterres said LDCs were trapped in vicious cycles which made development difficult.

"We cannot allow countries to fall back down the development ladder after working so hard to climb it," he tweeted.