TDB 59th session: Item 5 (21 Sept 2012)

Item 5 - UNCTAD's contribution to the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs: First progress report The session will deliberate on the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) for LDCs for the Decade 2011-2020 and UNCTAD's contribution. To assist the discussions of the Board on the item, the secretariat produced two background documents: i) a study titled "Enabling the Graduation of LDCs: Enhancing the Role of Commodities and Improving Agricultural Productivity" (UNCTAD/ALDC/2012/1), and ii) first progress report on UNCTAD-wide implementation of the relevant provisions of the Programme of Action (TD/B/59/3). The study, which is intended to advance deliberations on issues of graduation, by the Board, is the outcome of an ongoing work of the UNCTAD secretariat on LDCs. It assesses the challenges, opportunities and prospects for meeting the criteria for graduation, particularly by harnessing the role of commodities and improving agricultural productivity. The second background document provides comprehensive information on the UNCTAD-wide activities in implementing the relevant priority areas contained in the IPoA. It also includes a brief assessment of progress towards some of the key agreed goals, lessons learned and the way forward. Panellists H.E. Mr. Leopold Ismael Samba, Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic H.E. Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi, Permanent Representative of Nepal