Page 100 - UAE Foreign Aid Report 2022

United Arab Emirates
100
Foreign Aid Report 2022

Countries in Special Situations

The advancement of countries in special the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for
situations—encompassing their social, 2030. The subsequent pages delve into the UAE’s
developmental, and environmental strides— is unwavering support for these nations, specifically
paramount to ensuring no one is left behind. It focusing on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
is also crucial in achieving the vision set out by and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Introduced 51 years ago, the United Nations’
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) category was
designed to pinpoint nations grappling with acute
developmental challenges. The list, which began
with 25 countries, reached its zenith at 52 in 1991.
To date, the count stands at 46. Notably, only
six nations have managed to graduate from this
status: Botswana, Cabo Verde, Maldives, Samoa,
Equatorial Guinea, and Vanuatu.

Geographically, these LDCs are spread across
various regions: 33 in Africa, 9 in Asia, 1 in the
Caribbean, and 3 in the Pacific. Cumulatively, they
represent about 12% of the global population.
However, their economic imprint is minimal:
they account for less than 2% of global Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) and approximately 1%
of worldwide trade. 12

The inherent developmental challenges these
countries face amplify the urgency and significance
of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) within their borders. Addressing these
challenges and expediting development in LDCs
has been a focal point of global efforts.
Goal 9: INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

This pledge is evident in the initiatives adopted
in successive United Nations Conferences on
the Least Developed Countries. The most recent
strategic framework in this direction is the Doha The UAE sends two planes carrying 34 tons of
Programme of Action for the Decade 2022- food and medical supplies to Ethiopia and the
Tigray region.
2031. Adopted in March 2022, it underscores a
cooperative approach, bringing together LDCs Source: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and the broader international community to foster
sustainable growth and development.