LDCs Civil Society Representatives Call for Structural Reforms to Global Economy

 

 

Doha, March 08 (QNA) - Civil society representatives of the least developed countries called for structural reform of the economy and the global development model, in order to directly influence the desired development processes for their countries, and contribute effectively to reducing poverty levels in them.

They stressed the importance of developing a modern framework for international cooperation, and formulating a new generation of support mechanisms directed to these countries, capable of addressing structural constraints, addressing specific weaknesses and imbalances, and at the same time complementing the efforts made by countries.

Global Coordinator of LDC Watch Dr. Arjun Karki readout a statement from the organization said that moving forward with the implementation of the Doha Programme requires the process to be led by LDCs. 

"As we deliberated on the huge structural constraints on the development of LDCs at the Civil Society Forum during this conference we acknowledged that the current neoliberal framework does not offer any solutions," the statement said.

The press conference saw participation from Economic researcher Demba Moussa Dembele, Yemeni researcher Dr. Dalia Hazzam, and Program Manager of Gender and Development for Cambodia. They stressed the strong presence of a strong civil society, particularly in the South, that helped end colonization. They stressed the need to preserve this space amidst the increasing attempts by states to close it. 

On the occasion of International Women's Day, members of civil society highlighted that the unpaid care work carried out by women that supports the economy, yet women bear the burden of increasing gender discrimination and inequality in times of crisis, and in the increasing forms of unpaid care work. paid, and gender-based violence.

"We are horrified that despite the creation of an LDC ‘bloc’ of countries, there has been no significant progress in the living standards of people in LDCs over the last five decades. LDCs are at a critical juncture and a "business as usual" approach, will only lead to their being further marginalized in the global economy. As we deliberated on the huge structural constraints on the development of LDCs at the Civil Society Forum during this conference we acknowledged that the current neoliberal framework does not offer any solutions."

They expressed their belief that the action programs of these countries can liberate them from the crises they face on a daily basis, and that their civil societies can exert pressure within the national and international framework. 

"As civil society representative we call for a new framework for international cooperation for the LDCs: a new set of formal and informal institutions, rules and norms, including incentives, standards, and processes, designed to shape international economic relations in a way that leads to sustained and inclusive LDC development," the statement said. 

They concluded the statement by highlighting that their goal is to have a world free of poverty and inequality, and to help their countries emerge from being Least Developed Countries. They stressed that these were goals that could be achieved. (QNA)