缅北禁地

Programme: Africa Regional Review Meeting 22-26 February 2021

?Zoom Webinar (Times are local times in Lilongwe, other time zones indicated below respective sessions)
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Monday, 22 February 2021
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15:00-15:45
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High-Level Opening Session: From Istanbul to Doha - Towards a New Decade of Partnerships for LDCs

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Master of Ceremony: Honorable Mr. Gospel Kazako, Minister of Information, Republic of Malawi

Welcoming remarks

Opening Statements

Special Opening Remarks

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High-Level Opening Timezones

15:00 - 15:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 16:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 14:45 Paris

08:00 - 08:45 New York

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16:00-18:45
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Session 1: Ministerial Dialogue: Lessons Learned and Building Back Better

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In this session ministers and other high-level participants will reflect on the progress achieved during the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, including remaining gaps, challenges and vulnerabilities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LDCs’ health care systems and its socio-economic consequences will feature prominently. National recovery plans will be shared. Lessons learned will be identified as well as policy recommendations for the next decade.

Chair: Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms

Introduction by Ms. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa

Keynote Address by Mr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of World Health Organization

Statements by Heads of Delegation

  • Ministers from African LDCs and Haiti and Development Partners
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  • Heads of Agency of 缅北禁地System and other international and regional organizations
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  • Civil Society Representatives
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Speakers

Country/Organisation Speaker Statement
Malawi Right Honorable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President [EN]
Lesotho H.E. Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane, Honorable Minister of Development Planning [EN]
Portugal H.E. Mr. Francisco André, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation [PT]
United Nations Development Programme Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator [EN]
Food and Agriculture Organization Mr. QU Dongyu, Director-General [EN]
Sierra Leone H.E. Mr. Francis Mustapha Kai-Kai, Minister of Planning and Economic Development [EN]
European Union Mr. Koen Doens, Director General of the European Commission's Department for International Cooperation [EN]
Guinea H.E. Mr. Mamadi Camara, Minister of Economy and Finance [FR]
Norway H.E. Mr. Dag-Inge Ulstein, Minister of International Development (via recorded message)
Liberia H.E. Mr. Augustus Jonathan Flomo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning [EN]
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UNSG for Disaster Risk Reduction [EN]
Angola Dr. Milton Reis, State Secretary for Planning [PT]
Finland Ambassador Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, Ambassador of Finland in Malawi [EN]
International Trade Center Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director [EN]
Ethiopia H.E. Dr. Nemera Gebeyehu Mamo, State Minister of Planning and Development Commission [EN]
Germany Mr. Holger Illi, Deputy Director Africa, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development [EN]
缅北禁地Technology Bank for the LDCs Mr. Joshua Setipa, Managing Director [EN]
Uganda Ambassador Philip Ochen Odida, Deputy Permanent Representative to the 缅北禁地in NY [EN]
Brazil Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, Permanent Representative to the 缅北禁地in NY [EN]
Denmark Ms. Trine Rask Thygesen, State Secretary for Development Cooperation [EN]
World Intellectual Property Organisation Mr. Hasan Kleib, Deputy Director General, Regional and National Development Sector [EN]
Senegal H.E. Cheikh Niang, Permanent Representative to the United Nations [FR]
Zambia H.E. Alexander Chiteme, Minister of National Development Planning, Zambia [EN]
LDC Watch Mr. Demba Moussa Dembele, Président [EN]
TEJO (World Esperanto Youth Organization) Mr. Nickson Kasolene, Central Committee member [EN]

Session 1 Timezones

16:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

17:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

15:00 - 17:45 Paris

09:00 - 11:45 New York

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Tuesday, 23 February 2021
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10:00-12:00

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Side Event on “Youth are SDG Accelerators in Least Developed Countries” Organized by the Government of Malawi with the support of 缅北禁地Malawi
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The Virtual Side Event will have the following two objectives:

  • To influence policy makers participating in the Africa Regional Review Meeting to focus their attention on youth as SDG accelerators in their preparation for the 缅北禁地LDC5 conference.
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  • To bring together inspiring and innovative youth initiatives and ideas from Malawi that can encourage increased youth participation in efforts to accelerate SDG progress in LDCs.
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Side Event Timezones

10:00 - 12:00 Lilongwe

11:00 - 13:00 Addis Ababa

09:00 - 11:00 Paris

03:00 - 05:00 New York

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15:00-16:45

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Session 2: Building Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies – Organized in Collaboration with OSAA

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In this session, speakers will explore how peace and security are impacting development in African LDCs. Furthermore, participants will discuss mutually reinforcing dynamics of peace and development in conflict-affected countries and how to ensure a more integrated approach by the LDCs, their partners and multilateral institutions. Ways to broaden and strengthen the participation of LDCs in the institutions of global governance will also be discussed.

Moderator: Ms. Cristina Duarte, Under Secretary General and Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General

Panelists:

  • H.E. Mr. Eisenhower Mkaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malawi
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  • H.E. Ms. Victoria Ouédraogo Kibora, Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Civic Participation of Burkina Faso
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  • Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa
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  • Dr. Cyril Obi, Program Director, The African Initiative, Social Sciences Research Council
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  • Mr. Raphael Obonyo, Young activist and Public Policy Specialist
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Lead Discussant

  • H.E. Ms. Marie Chatardová, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations

Interactive Discussion

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  • Dr. Houssenatou Mamadou, Researcher and Lecturer, Political Sciences, Howard University

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Session 2 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe
16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa
14:00 - 15:45 Paris
08:00 - 09:45 New York

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17:00-18:45
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Session 3: Rethinking structural transformation in African LDCs in the Era of Technological Advancement and Innovation

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This session will explore the potential sources of growth to enable LDCs to achieve accelerated, inclusive and sustained growth and meet the SDGs by 2030. Structural transformation has traditionally been linked to increased productivity through the manufacturing sector. However, the era of technological advancement and initiatives for green growth to “build back better” after the COVID-19 pandemic call for a discussion on alternative sources for sustainable economic development in LDCs. Speakers will discuss the role that services such as ICT (including access to broadband internet), tourism or agroindustry can play in this respect and will highlight successful and innovative solutions to enable the African LDCs generate higher productivity and decent employment, especially women and youth.

Moderator: Ms. Maria Torres Macho, 缅北禁地Resident Coordinator in Malawi

Panelists:

Lead Discussant:

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Interactive Discussion
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Session 3 Timezones

17:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:45 Paris

10:00 - 11:45 New York

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Wednesday, 24 February 2021
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10:00-12:00

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Side Event on “Empowering LDCs through Science, Technology and Innovation – Lessons Learned” Organized by the 缅北禁地Technology Bank

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The objective of the special high-level session will be to reflect on the shaping of the Technology Bank, showcasing activities and early results in selected African LDCs. Further, potential partnerships with regional organizations to boost the effectiveness of the Bank’s interventions will also be discussed.
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Technology Bank Side Event Timezones

10:00 - 12:00 Lilongwe

11:00 - 13:00 Addis Ababa

09:00 - 11:00 Paris

03:00 - 05:00 New York

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13:00-14:30

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Side Event on “Impacts of COVID-19 on SMEs in LDCs and the Role of Blended Finance in Supporting a Resilient Recovery” Organized by UNCDF
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The session will provide insights from UNCDF’s Blended Finance in the Least Developed Countries 2020: Supporting a Resilient Covid-19 Recovery report, including an update on the deployment of blended finance in LDCs as well as analysis of its potential role in helping LDCs recover from the COVID 19 crisis. UNCDF will present an Action Agenda for unlocking capital during the next program of action for LDCs, including with a special focus on small and medium-size enterprises (SME) finance. In addition, the session will highlight impacts of COVID-19 on SMEs and the need for additional finance. Evidence will be presented from the UNCDF LDC SME pulse survey— “The State of Small Businesses in the LDCs: Taking the Pulse of SMEs in the LDC Markets During COVID-19”—a unique survey encompassing more than 20 business sectors, featuring over 2,300 SMEs, spanning all 46 LDCs.


UNCDF Side Event? Timezones

13:00 - 14:30 Lilongwe

14:00 - 15:30 Addis Ababa

12:00 - 13:30 Paris

06:00 - 07:30 New York

15:00-16:45
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Session 4: Mobilizing Resources for Sustainable Development in African LDCs

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This session will discuss experiences in domestic and international resource mobilization and discusses ways to facilitate the mobilization of the required resources, including innovative finance, to promote sustainable development in the African LDCs and enhance resilience to various shocks. The discussion will focus on how to enhance the abilities of countries to leverage domestic resources and take full advantage of international support, such as financial sector reform, domestic resource mobilization, development of adequate financial infrastructure or risk reduction instruments, including South-South cooperation. It will also look at how to increase debt sustainability, especially after the deteriorations due to COVID-19.

Moderator: Mr. Anders Berlin, Senior Adviser, 缅北禁地Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)

Keynote address: Ms. Susanna Moorehead, Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Chair, OECD

Panelists:

  • Honourable Felix Mlusu, Minister of Finance, Malawi
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  • Hon. Augustus J. Flomo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Ministry of Finance Liberia
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  • Ms. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary, 缅北禁地Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA)
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  • Ms. Preeti Sinha, Executive Secretary, 缅北禁地Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
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  • Mr. Theophilus Jong Yungong, Head of Programmes, African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD)
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  • Mr. Admassu Tadesse, Group MD and President Emeritus, Trade and Development Bank (TDB)
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  • Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana, Executive Director, Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), Uganda

Interactive Discussion
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Session 4 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 15:45 Paris

08:00 - 09:45 New York

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17:00-18:45

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Session 5: Enhancing External Trade, Building and Maintaining Resilient Infrastructure and Promoting Regional Integration in African LDCs

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This session will explore how improved market access, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, can boost regional and global trade of African LDCs. It will also discuss how competitiveness of African LDCs can be improved, including through access to sustainable energy and connectivity.

Moderator: Ms. Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)

Panelists:

Interactive Discussion
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Session 5 Timezones

17:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:45 Paris

10:00 - 11:45 New York

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Thursday, 25 February 2021
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15:00-16:45

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Session 6: Social and Human Development in the African LDCs: Reducing Inequality and Advancing Wellbeing and Opportunities – Organized in Collaboration with UNDP

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This session will explore the factors contributing to the high prevalence of poverty and inequality in the LDCs and explore the multiple dimensions limiting their poverty eradication efforts. It will discuss how progress towards human development can be accelerated through addressing aspects contributing to poverty and inequality in the African LDCs.

Moderator: Mr. Mansour Ndiaye, Head of Inclusive Growth, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Panelists:

Interactive Discussion


Session 6 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 15:45 Paris

08:00 - 09:45 New York

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17:00-18:45
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Session 7: Building Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Food Systems in African LDCs – Organized in Collaboration with FAO

? African LDCs face the challenge of transforming AGRI food systems to ensure that no one is constrained to access healthy diets, but still ensure that food production and consumption contribute to improvements in the livelihoods of food systems actors and to environmental sustainability. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for countries, and policymakers will need to assess the context-specific barriers, manage trade-offs and maximize synergies – such as potential environment gains – to achieve the required transformations. This session will explore the challenges, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic impacts, but also recommend solutions that necessitate some form of deep, transformative change to redirect the arc of food systems evolution toward sustainable development.

Moderator: Mr. Abebe Haile-Gabriele, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)

Keynote Speech: Dr. Máximo Torero, Chief Economist, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)

Penelists:

Interactive Discussion

Closing Remarks:

  • Ms. Agnes Kalibata, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for 2021 Food Systems Summit
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  • Panelist Bios

Session 7 Timezones

17:00 - 18:45 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:45 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:45 Paris

10:00 - 11:45 New York

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Friday, 26 February 2021
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15:00-16:45
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Session 8: Building Climate Resilience and Accelerating the Energy Transition in African LDCs

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This session will discuss the factors affecting the high degree of vulnerability faced by the African LDCs. It will explore how adaptation to climate change and disaster resilience efforts relate to the sustainable development of African LDCs and discuss mechanisms and approaches that could contribute to resilience building. The discussion will focus on ending energy poverty in LDCs and the important role clean and renewable energy play in building climate-resilient development pathways. It will also explore workable solutions and mechanisms that could contribute to a better anchoring of resilience and sustainability issues as part of a new Programme of Action.

Moderator: Ms. Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Director, United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS)

Panelists:

Lead Discussants:????

Interactive Discussion
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Session 8 Timezones

15:00 - 16:45 Lilongwe

16:00 - 17:45 Addis Ababa

14:00 - 15:45 Paris

08:00 - 09:45 New York

17:00-18:00
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High-level Closing Session

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In this session the outcome document will be adopted followed by closing remarks.

Chair: The Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms

Presentations of main conclusions of side events:

Closing Remarks:

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High-Level Closing Session Timezones

17:00 - 18:00 Lilongwe

18:00 - 19:00 Addis Ababa

16:00 - 17:00 Paris

10:00 - 11:00 New York

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