Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente, standing in for President Paul Kagame, unveiled plans for the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
He made the announcement at the G77 and China Third South Summit in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday.
The conference in Kigali, scheduled for June in Kigali, will mark a groundbreaking initiative to address the specific needs of nations facing unique obstacles on their path to sustainable development.
This pivotal announcement took center stage in an address that also expressed gratitude to Uganda for hosting the summit and commended Cuba for its exemplary leadership in 2023.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of the chosen theme, “Leaving No One Behind,” aligning it with Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
This theme emphasizes collaborative efforts to ensure equitable progress among nations, irrespective of their size or economic status.
“Special consideration must be given to countries facing unique obstacles. We must consider the situations of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, and provide support to address their specific needs on the path to sustainable development,” he said.
Reflecting on the achievements of the G77 and China in shaping the international economic landscape, the Prime Minister reiterated support for reformed financial institutions.
“Rwanda firmly supports the call for reformed financial institutions to be fit for purpose in the contemporary world. Financing our development initiatives and fostering trade and industry has never been more important than today,” the Minister insisted.
The focus on financing development initiatives and fostering trade and industry in the contemporary world was highlighted as crucial.
Cooperation and collaboration were emphasized as core elements in addressing complex global challenges and achieving sustainable development.
By leveraging collective strengths, nations can overcome shared obstacles, as stated by the Prime Minister.
The announcement of the Landlocked Developing Countries Conference in Kigali adds a significant dimension to the summit, showcasing Rwanda’s commitment under the leadership of President Paul Kagame.
Global leaders are invited to join Rwanda in addressing the unique challenges faced by these nations on the path to sustainable development.
The conference is poised to be a historic event, marking the first time such a gathering takes place in Africa and extending an open invitation to leaders worldwide.
