Their challenges

The small and sparse populations and limited resource endowments of many of these countries hinder the viability of productive sectors and the ability to benefit from economies of scale. For many of them, geographic remoteness from major economic centres constrains access to regional markets. Compounding these economic challenges, their topography and locations also render many of them highly vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters and environmental degradation. Furthermore, several of these countries are in conflict or have emerged from conflict only recently, and several others are facing high debt distress. As a result, these countries, while constituting 9.4 per cent of the region’s population, account for only 4.3 per cent of the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 3.2 per cent of its trade in goods and services.  

Their programmes of actions

To support these groups of countries, the United Nations has called for the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for 2022-2031, the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034, and the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States : A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity for 2024-2034.

ESCAP as an intergovernmental forum

As an intergovernmental forum, the Commission considers the needs of these countries during the annual sessions of the Special Body on Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. Sectoral issues are considered by ESCAP’s respective Committees as well as Ministerial Conferences. To support these deliberations, ESCAP provides analytical studies, as well as technical support on the development of productive capacity, infrastructure, trade and transport, human resources, private sector, official development assistance, and other external assistance and institutional development. Through these studies and technical support, ESCAP helps policymakers in these States to develop integrated approaches, models, and tools aimed at enhancing regional cooperation with regard to the Sustainable Development Goals.