Zambia Hosts Third Least Developed Countries Future Forum

The 3rd Least Developed Countries (LDC) Future Forum, held in Lusaka, Zambia, from April 1 to April 3, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in the global effort to enhance resilience and sustainable development for the world's most vulnerable nations. The event, themed "Enhancing Resilience: Innovative Solutions for Strengthening LDCs Against Systemic Shocks," brought together policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders, and development partners from over 50 countries. The forum was co-organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the Government of Zambia, and the Government of Finland.

The opening ceremony was graced by the President of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who delivered an inspiring keynote address. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and innovation for LDCs, urging them to move away from dependency on external aid. "Resilience is no longer optional for LDCs; it is a necessity," President Hichilema stated. He highlighted Zambia's own experiences, such as navigating the devastating drought of 2024, as a testament to the need for proactive planning and leveraging natural resources for economic growth.

Ms. Rabab Fatima, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for LDCs, underscored the significance of hosting the forum in an LDC (Zambia) for the first time, calling it "a unique opportunity to galvanize global support for the world's most vulnerable countries." She stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors to create actionable pathways for resilience and sustainable development.

In addition to the high-level dialogue on innovative financing mechanisms and partnerships to promote resilient economies in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as well as key initiatives to accelerate resilience in these nations, the forum featured thematic sessions on several critical topics. These included:

- Exploring climate-smart agricultural practices aimed at improving food security and ensuring sustainable agricultural development.

- Developing comprehensive strategies to enhance resilience through sustainable water management and the integration of renewable energy.

- Investigating innovative approaches to promote economic diversification and strengthen resilience through circular economy models and sustainable industrial practices.

- Designing and implementing targeted social safety nets to reinforce community resilience against multiple shocks.

Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Mr. Ville Tavio, highlighted the importance of gender equality in these discussions, noting that inclusive solutions are key to building resilience.

The forum, preceded by a workshop for LDC National Focal Points, culminated in a unified call for sustained collaboration, innovation, and policy reforms. Central to the discussions was the pressing need for a renewed commitment to implementing the Doha Programme of Action and advancing the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The gathering explored practical strategies for strengthening LDCs' resilience, with discussions on mobilizing financial resources and the private sector's role in driving sustainable economic growth and green industrialization. ​