The Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA)[1] adopted at the Fourth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Istanbul, Turkey in May 2011, constitutes an ambitious policy agenda agreed by the international community to address the challenges faced by the LDCs, based on the fundamental tenets of mutual accountability and enhanced international cooperation.
The overarching goal of the IPoA is to overcome the structural challenges faced by the LDCs in order to eradicate poverty, achieve internationally agreed development goals and enable graduation from the LDC category. As the midpoint of the decade-long programme of action draws near, the UN General Assembly decided to hold the comprehensive high-level Mid-Term Review of the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action, which will take place from 27 to 29 May, 2016, in Antalya, Turkey (see resolution A/RES/69/231 on the “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”). Participation shall be at the highest possible political level.
The High-Level Mid-Term review, which shall result in an inter-governmentally negotiated outcome, will undertake an assessment of the implementation of the IPoA by the LDCs and their development partners. It will share best practices and lessons learned and identify obstacles, constraints and actions and initiatives needed to overcome them, as well as new challenges and emerging issues faced by the most vulnerable countries on earth.
The High-Level Mid-Term Review is the first major UN Conference after the adoption of the SDGs and provides a unique opportunity to address the special needs of the LDCs as they are the most vulnerable countries. Leaving no one behind, as called by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, will require lifting more than 400 million people out of extreme poverty by 2030 in the LDCs.
Wishing to participate at the Midterm Review are invited to apply as follows:
– Non-governmental organizations that are in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and non-governmental organizations that were accredited to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-IV) in 2011 wishing to attend the Mid-Term Review should register through the form at the link below no later than 15 May 2016.
– Non-governmental organizations that are are not accredited to ECOSOC and that were not accredited to LDC-IV were able to apply for special accreditation through the form at the link below by 29 April 2016.
Representatives of organizations accredited to ECOSOC or to LDC-IV may still apply for registration using this form until 15 May
To apply, visit UN-NGLS here.
