About the Event

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This event will explore how the private sector can best support investments and partnerships in least developed countries by working closely with LDC governments, multilateral and bilateral partners, and civil society to leverage their expertise, technology, and resources.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities at the global, national, and local levels. Due to preexisting structural barriers, LDCs have been particularly affected as the pandemic shook international trade, collapsed commodity prices, and disrupted supply chains — leading to a sharp deceleration in gross domestic product growth and a rise in poverty, food insecurity, and inequality.

Against this backdrop, LDCs require urgent attention and action from governments, the international development community, civil society, and the private sector alike if we are to ensure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The private sector especially has an increasingly important role in driving investment opportunities and partnerships in LDCs.

New technologies and improved internet connectivity in LDCs have the potential to accelerate progress on the global goals and help countries emerge from the pandemic both stronger and more resilient. However, considerable cross-sector efforts and multistakeholder partnerships are required to empower and equip LDC governments with the financing, tools, and capacity needed to do so.

This event hosted by Devex in partnership with Microsoft will zoom in on five key areas for collaboration: connectivity, skilling, blended finance, multistakeholder partnerships, and good governance. The conversations will serve as a preview to the 5th United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries taking place in Doha, Qatar in early 2023.