Zambia
REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
Permanent Mi$sion of Zambia to the United Nations, 237 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022
Tex: (212) 888-5770 Fax: (212) 888-5213 E-mail: zambia@un.int
Pleas e check agains t delivery
STATEMENT
BY
THE HONOURABLE LUCKY MULUSA, M.P.,
MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING,
ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF THE LANDLOCKED
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (LLDCS)
DURING
THE 2017 PLENARY SESSION OF THE HLPF.
New York
17t h July 2017
1
Mr President,
Ministers Present,
Excellences,
Distinguished delegates,
On behalf of the Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDCS) and
indeed my own behalf, I wish to congratulate the ECOSOC
President for convening the 2017.Session of the High Level Political
Forum (HLPF) under the theme "Eradicating Poverty and Promoting
Prosperity in a changing World". This theme encapsulates an
overarching goal of all the Sustainable Development Goals and
the entire 2030 Agenda that aims to eradicate poverty. The SDGs
can be achieved only if the fundamental guiding principle of "not
leaving any one behind" is adhered to and translated into action
at global, regional and national levels. Above all we should get to
the bottom of that which will actually make us not leave anyone
behind. But what does not leaving anyone behind actually
mean?. It means expanding economic and employment
opportunities to all so that people can earn an income and lead
the lives they do not only desire, but deserve! In short it is about
achieving human development for all!
LLDCs are faced with numerous inherent development challenges
that are linked to their geographical position associated with
distance and/or isolation from global markets. As LLDC's we are
making efforts towards effective implementation of the SDGs.
However, the progress is slow and mostly lag behind the averages
of all the developing countries of the world. Deliberate measures
are required to address the special challenges associated with
landlockedness and ensure that these countries are not left
behind.
Mr. President,
The Seven SDGs that we are reviewing in this year's session of the
High Level Political Forum which are SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 14 and 17,
are closely related to the challenges of LLDCs.
Eradicating poverty and achieving socio-economic prosperity
continues to be at the centre of the development agenda of the
2
LLDCs. According to the Human Development Index, majority of
the LLDCs improved their performance. However, out of the 44
countries classified as low human development countries with the
lowest rankings, 16 were LLDCs. While the proportion of the
population living below the international poverty line of $1.90 per
day has declined since 2002, the deprived population still remains
high at around 30 per cent. LLDCs therefore, underscore the need
scale-up and sustain efforts towards eradicating poverty by 2030.
In terms of SDG2, undernourishment in LLDCs has declined
considerably over the last 15 years. However, more work remains
to be done to make LLDCs comparable to developing countries. ·
While Agriculture represents a dominant sector in many of the
LLDCs, the effects of climate change, desertification and land
degradation have negatively impacted it. In order to reverse the
impact of climate change and address the challenge of
undernourishment, LLDCs will need to be supported in enhancing
agricultural productivity; build sustainable food systems and
resilient agricultural practices.
Mr. President,
Regarding SDG 3, there has been steady improvement in LLDCs in
reducing under-five mortality rates which have halved since 2000
to 67.9 per 1,000 live births in 2015. Progress was also made in
stemming HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis, although the incidence in
LLDCs is still higher than the average for the developing world.
Progress also continues to be made on access to sexual and
reproductive health-care services. Despite all this, LLDCs still lag
behind. It is against this backdrop that the international
community is called upon to help consolidate and broaden the
results so far achieved. This can be done through continued
support, in particular by promoting and ensuring healthy lives and
well-being of all in the LLDCs.
The LLDC 's have made progress in the area of gender equality
and empowerment of women and girls. Progress has also been
registered among LLDCs in reducing harmful practices against
women and girls. Further progress has been achieved in
enhancing participation of women in different social, political and
3
economic spheres of life. For example, the proportion of seats
held by women in national parliaments increased from just 8 per
cent to 26 per cent between 2000 and 2017, higher than the world
average. However, more effort is needed to ensure that women
and girls have a safer space to operate from and make decisions
that will contribute to the realisation of the 2030 Agenda.
Mr. President,
SDG 9 is of particular importance to the LLDCs. LLDCs face· high
trade and transport costs, and are beset by other challenges
linked to inadequate infrastructure, high costs of ICT and energy.
Trans-border infrastructure in most LLDCs are inadequate for
supporting efficient trade facilitation.
In addition, our economies face constraints on structural
transformation and economic diversification with signs of deindustrialization
manifesting in most countries. These issues are at
the heart of the Vienna Programme of Action for the LLDCs
adopted in 2014.
It is very important that the infrastructure challenges are
addressed, in particular in transport, energy and ICT sectors in
order to ensure that the LLDCs are linked to global markets. In this
regard, therefore, the LLDCs call for increased infrastructure
financing, from public and private sources, development banks
and financial institutions. Other innovative measures include, the
establishment of dedicated infrastructure financing mechanisms
for the LLDCs.
Further, LLDC's call for support in the area of technology transfer,
research and innovation to aid our industrialisation efforts, which
are necessary for promoting productivity, value addition and spur
our ability to join the global value chains. At the closure of
Agenda 2030, the World must create an environment where
LLDCs should no longer export foods in raw form. We need to
galvanise interest of all member states to enhance value addition
on raw materials and create sound industrial base for finished
products and create jobs and wealth.
4
Mr. President,
Oceans determine our climate and weather patterns that affect
LLDCs. Further oceans have been and are still a major route for
trade. Therefore, the implementation of SDG 14 is vital to our
economies especially as this relate to increasing LLDCs ease
access to the sea.
Regarding SDG 17, strengthened global partnerships remain
important to address the challenges faced by the LLDCs and is
key to achieve maximum impact. ODA remains a main source of
external finance for many LLDCs and we call on our development
partners to enhance their ODA support including through Aid for
Trade and give greater consideration to the special needs of
LLDCs. Equally important, is ensuring effective participation of
LLDCs in international trade through technical assistance and
improvement of transit-related logistics.
We recently witnessed a key landmark event in the multilateral
trading system as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement entered
into force on 22nd February 2017. This Agreement is expected to
reduce bureaucratic red tape at the border, simplifying customs
procedures and improving enforcement capabilities through the
application of technology solutions and institutional reforms. We
call for support to ensure its rapid implementation so that the
agreement translates into real benefits to the LLDCs.
LLDCs also require assistance in ensuring an enabling domestic
environment to effectively attract foreign direct investment and
enhancing private sector participation. Measures are required to
support LLDCs deal with tax evasions and avoidance in
broadening tax base. This will help LLDCs enhance their domestic
financing and give effect to home grown development trajectory.
Lastly, I wish to stress that the initiatives and follow-up processes to
support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda should take into
account special needs of LLDCs. These should assist in
accelerating efforts towards achieving the SDGs.
5
The group of Land Locked Developing Countries therefore, looks
forward to successful implementation of the SDGs and the ·
outcome of the 2017 H LPF.
I thank you.
6
Permanent Mi$sion of Zambia to the United Nations, 237 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022
Tex: (212) 888-5770 Fax: (212) 888-5213 E-mail: zambia@un.int
Pleas e check agains t delivery
STATEMENT
BY
THE HONOURABLE LUCKY MULUSA, M.P.,
MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING,
ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF THE LANDLOCKED
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (LLDCS)
DURING
THE 2017 PLENARY SESSION OF THE HLPF.
New York
17t h July 2017
1
Mr President,
Ministers Present,
Excellences,
Distinguished delegates,
On behalf of the Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDCS) and
indeed my own behalf, I wish to congratulate the ECOSOC
President for convening the 2017.Session of the High Level Political
Forum (HLPF) under the theme "Eradicating Poverty and Promoting
Prosperity in a changing World". This theme encapsulates an
overarching goal of all the Sustainable Development Goals and
the entire 2030 Agenda that aims to eradicate poverty. The SDGs
can be achieved only if the fundamental guiding principle of "not
leaving any one behind" is adhered to and translated into action
at global, regional and national levels. Above all we should get to
the bottom of that which will actually make us not leave anyone
behind. But what does not leaving anyone behind actually
mean?. It means expanding economic and employment
opportunities to all so that people can earn an income and lead
the lives they do not only desire, but deserve! In short it is about
achieving human development for all!
LLDCs are faced with numerous inherent development challenges
that are linked to their geographical position associated with
distance and/or isolation from global markets. As LLDC's we are
making efforts towards effective implementation of the SDGs.
However, the progress is slow and mostly lag behind the averages
of all the developing countries of the world. Deliberate measures
are required to address the special challenges associated with
landlockedness and ensure that these countries are not left
behind.
Mr. President,
The Seven SDGs that we are reviewing in this year's session of the
High Level Political Forum which are SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 14 and 17,
are closely related to the challenges of LLDCs.
Eradicating poverty and achieving socio-economic prosperity
continues to be at the centre of the development agenda of the
2
LLDCs. According to the Human Development Index, majority of
the LLDCs improved their performance. However, out of the 44
countries classified as low human development countries with the
lowest rankings, 16 were LLDCs. While the proportion of the
population living below the international poverty line of $1.90 per
day has declined since 2002, the deprived population still remains
high at around 30 per cent. LLDCs therefore, underscore the need
scale-up and sustain efforts towards eradicating poverty by 2030.
In terms of SDG2, undernourishment in LLDCs has declined
considerably over the last 15 years. However, more work remains
to be done to make LLDCs comparable to developing countries. ·
While Agriculture represents a dominant sector in many of the
LLDCs, the effects of climate change, desertification and land
degradation have negatively impacted it. In order to reverse the
impact of climate change and address the challenge of
undernourishment, LLDCs will need to be supported in enhancing
agricultural productivity; build sustainable food systems and
resilient agricultural practices.
Mr. President,
Regarding SDG 3, there has been steady improvement in LLDCs in
reducing under-five mortality rates which have halved since 2000
to 67.9 per 1,000 live births in 2015. Progress was also made in
stemming HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis, although the incidence in
LLDCs is still higher than the average for the developing world.
Progress also continues to be made on access to sexual and
reproductive health-care services. Despite all this, LLDCs still lag
behind. It is against this backdrop that the international
community is called upon to help consolidate and broaden the
results so far achieved. This can be done through continued
support, in particular by promoting and ensuring healthy lives and
well-being of all in the LLDCs.
The LLDC 's have made progress in the area of gender equality
and empowerment of women and girls. Progress has also been
registered among LLDCs in reducing harmful practices against
women and girls. Further progress has been achieved in
enhancing participation of women in different social, political and
3
economic spheres of life. For example, the proportion of seats
held by women in national parliaments increased from just 8 per
cent to 26 per cent between 2000 and 2017, higher than the world
average. However, more effort is needed to ensure that women
and girls have a safer space to operate from and make decisions
that will contribute to the realisation of the 2030 Agenda.
Mr. President,
SDG 9 is of particular importance to the LLDCs. LLDCs face· high
trade and transport costs, and are beset by other challenges
linked to inadequate infrastructure, high costs of ICT and energy.
Trans-border infrastructure in most LLDCs are inadequate for
supporting efficient trade facilitation.
In addition, our economies face constraints on structural
transformation and economic diversification with signs of deindustrialization
manifesting in most countries. These issues are at
the heart of the Vienna Programme of Action for the LLDCs
adopted in 2014.
It is very important that the infrastructure challenges are
addressed, in particular in transport, energy and ICT sectors in
order to ensure that the LLDCs are linked to global markets. In this
regard, therefore, the LLDCs call for increased infrastructure
financing, from public and private sources, development banks
and financial institutions. Other innovative measures include, the
establishment of dedicated infrastructure financing mechanisms
for the LLDCs.
Further, LLDC's call for support in the area of technology transfer,
research and innovation to aid our industrialisation efforts, which
are necessary for promoting productivity, value addition and spur
our ability to join the global value chains. At the closure of
Agenda 2030, the World must create an environment where
LLDCs should no longer export foods in raw form. We need to
galvanise interest of all member states to enhance value addition
on raw materials and create sound industrial base for finished
products and create jobs and wealth.
4
Mr. President,
Oceans determine our climate and weather patterns that affect
LLDCs. Further oceans have been and are still a major route for
trade. Therefore, the implementation of SDG 14 is vital to our
economies especially as this relate to increasing LLDCs ease
access to the sea.
Regarding SDG 17, strengthened global partnerships remain
important to address the challenges faced by the LLDCs and is
key to achieve maximum impact. ODA remains a main source of
external finance for many LLDCs and we call on our development
partners to enhance their ODA support including through Aid for
Trade and give greater consideration to the special needs of
LLDCs. Equally important, is ensuring effective participation of
LLDCs in international trade through technical assistance and
improvement of transit-related logistics.
We recently witnessed a key landmark event in the multilateral
trading system as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement entered
into force on 22nd February 2017. This Agreement is expected to
reduce bureaucratic red tape at the border, simplifying customs
procedures and improving enforcement capabilities through the
application of technology solutions and institutional reforms. We
call for support to ensure its rapid implementation so that the
agreement translates into real benefits to the LLDCs.
LLDCs also require assistance in ensuring an enabling domestic
environment to effectively attract foreign direct investment and
enhancing private sector participation. Measures are required to
support LLDCs deal with tax evasions and avoidance in
broadening tax base. This will help LLDCs enhance their domestic
financing and give effect to home grown development trajectory.
Lastly, I wish to stress that the initiatives and follow-up processes to
support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda should take into
account special needs of LLDCs. These should assist in
accelerating efforts towards achieving the SDGs.
5
The group of Land Locked Developing Countries therefore, looks
forward to successful implementation of the SDGs and the ·
outcome of the 2017 H LPF.
I thank you.
6
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