Nurul Hasnat Ove, 26, was one of three SDG4Youth Network members who attended the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha, Qatar. He offers his insights with us.
From 5 to 9 March 2023, the LDC5 conference gathered world leaders, private sector, civil society and young people to advance ideas on how the 46 world’s least developed countries can fully benefit from social, economic and environmental development through the Doha Programme of Action, a list of commitments between the least developed countries and their development partners.
Ove, who flew from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to be part of the event shares, “The LDC5 conference provides a platform for collaboration, support, and advocacy that can help to advance the development agenda and create a more just and equitable world.”
In addition to the SDG4Youth Network, Ove was representing his organisation - Leadership Development Association International. With a delegation of officials from Bangladesh, he attended several sessions and shared ideas and perspectives on how to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ove is passionate about social justice: “I became a youth activist for a variety of reasons. I experienced injustice and discrimination, and it gave me a strong sense of responsibility to create positive change. I am also inspired by the activism of other young people.”
He attended the session on ‘Transforming Education in LDCs: Ensuring a focus on Inclusion & Gender Equality.’ He explained, “I shared the importance of creating education systems that are inclusive, innovative, and adaptable to the changing needs of students and society. I have also emphasized the role of collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders, including educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, in driving educational transformation during my intervention.”
About the LDC5 conference, he shares, “There is a need for innovative solutions and strategies to address development challenges. Achieving the SDGs requires a holistic approach that takes into account economic, social, and environmental factors – and international cooperation and support are important. The conferences have also highlighted the critical role that LDCs play in achieving global development goals, and the urgent need to address the disparities and inequalities that exist between rich and poor countries. As the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E Sheikh Hasina Said during her opening remarks that ‘We don't need charity or aid but we demand the implementation of promises and international commitments from the international community.’”
The conference was a great opportunity for young people to represent their countries and communities, raising awareness about their needs and their potential to play a key role at a global level. As Nurul Hasnat Ove concludes: “I believe it's important to find a cause that resonates with you and to use your voice and actions to make a difference”.