UNITED NATIONS, Nov 8: Pakistan on Friday called for “a multi- dimensional approach” to eradicate poverty in the least developed countries.

It is the biggest challenge for the least developed countries, said Pakistan delegate while addressing the economic issues committee of the United Nations General Assembly on its Agenda concerning the United Nations Conference on the least developed countries (LDCs).

Senator Babar Khan Ghori said it would also necessitate a greater synergy among efforts by all stakeholders i.e. states, civil societies and international community.

The LDCs must get the required support from the international community to eradicate poverty and reach the international development goals including those contained in the Millennium Declaration.

Despite domestic financial constraints, he said, Pakistan has continued to provide technical, economic and humanitarian assistance to the LDCs.

“Under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme and Special Technical Assistance Programme for Africa, 50 seats are reserved for students from LDCs in our professional colleges. More than 1,000 participants from LDCs have, so far, benefited from our training programmes in the fields of banking, diplomacy, language skills, railways and accounting. Pakistan has also been extending trade credits and substantial humanitarian assistance to some LDCs. We would continue with our modest efforts in future as well.”

In order to ensure the fulfilment of the objectives of the Brussels Programme of Action, he said it is important that the international community not only takes on concrete and tangible measures but also musters the political will to achieve these goals.

He said the deteriorating economic situation of least developing countries is further complicated by the crippling debt burden which is a continuous drain on their meagre and depleting resources.

Senator Ghori said trade is yet another area which could boost economic growth, generate employment, and reduce poverty in developing countries.

He said it is also the single most important external source of financing development. Increased market access is an effective way for developing countries to reach sustainability. Every extra dollar of exports feeds a poor family and builds a better future for them.

Senator Ghori said since the adoption of the Brussels Programme of Action, the objectives of achieving development in LDCs have been on the priority list of the international community.

A number of steps have been taken by the international community as well as by the LDCs themselves in order to attain these objectives. In certain cases, there have been successes but the overall condition of LDCs has remained precarious.—APP