The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Accra

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Sunday told the Ministers of the Group of 77 and China that climate change and food security have been the twin concerns for the developing world.

He said this at a Ministerial Meeting of G-77 took pace in Accra during the UNCTAD XII Conference.

Speaking as chairman of the least developed countries (LDCs), Iftekhar underscored the need for maintaining close relations between the LDCs and the G-77 as both sides represent the developing world.

"The LDCs are part of the G-77. For decades they have shared empathy and aspirations. They have been supportive to each other. They have championed similar causes. They stand together in firm solidarity," he said.

About food security, Iftekhar said the developing world is passing through a critical time. "We've asked the UN Secretary General to take initiatives himself to set up a high-level panel with eminent persons to examine all related issues for consideration of an international conference for addressing the crisis."

He also referred to a specific proposal he had made the previous day to the LDC Ministers, which was incorporated in the LDC Ministerial Declaration issued in Accra.

On climate change, he said the global phenomenon is affecting the LDCs mots severely. "Many face extinction. For the small islands of developing states and those with long vulnerable coastlines, it's a life and death question. Mitigatory and adaptation measures must be taken to counter these negative effects," he said.

He said in today's world the aspirations of the developing countries can only become a reality if the people from across the globe recognise that ameliorating the pains of some is the responsibility of all.

Dr Iftekhar later gave an interview to UN radio and was the keynote speaker at an event, 'LDC Watch', took place on the sidelines of the UNCTAD Conference XII.