The training aimed to enhance journalists understanding of the UNDAP in general and specifically focusing on the Zanzibar programme that is being implemented between the UN and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and stakeholders.

Presenting the UNDAP in Zanzibar, the Head of the UN sub Office in Zanzibar, Ms Anna Senga said, the programme focuses on three main areas of cooperation as outlined in MKUZA II clusters which are Growth for reduction of income poverty; Improvement of quality of life and social well-being and lastly Governance and Accountability.

Outlining specific programmes under Growth for reduction on income poverty, Ms Senga said they include; Support labour productivity and employment creation, support to development of policies for economic growth and also programme that aim to enhanced food security.

On Improvement of quality of life and social well-being, specific programmes include support to reform of the education Inspectorate system, support skills building of some school management committees on resource mobilization in selected districts, enhanced infant and child health, enhance capacities to eliminate infectious diseases, improved access to quality reproductive health and services and improved maternal health.

On cluster three on Governance and Accountability, specific projects includes support legal sector reforms, support to development of child justice strategy and child protection, support for evidence- based planning and monitoring of MKUZA II, enhancing aid management as well as enhance tripartite partnerships and labour regulations for greater productivity and implementation of ILO conventions.

As the programme enters year two of implementation, Five key challenges have been identified in Zanzibar which includes weak coordination among government institutions, delays in approval of proposals and submission of Reports by implementing partners, lengthy procurement process, limited technically qualified national consultants and capacity and resource limitations.

Ms Senga however said, the challenges are being mutually addressed by all parties involved in the programme implementation so as to ensure they do not repeat and ensure smooth implementation of the programmes.

On another hand Zanzibar journalists were encouraged to ensure they read and understand various protocols, conventions and charters on Human Rights and gender so as to report objectively and constructively on related stories.

Reviewing various articles on human rights written by local journalists, ILO Senior Programme Officer, Mr Anthony Rutabanzibwa said many articles lack indepth analysis of the issues hence they fail to inform the public clearly on the consequences of their actions.

The training was held at Zanzibar Ocean View Hotel and attended by 40 journalists from both Unguja and Pemba islands.

In July 2011, the United Nations in Tanzania begun implementing the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP) 2011-2015, its next programme of work in support of Tanzania’s economic, social and political development

UNDAP is the business plan of 20 UN agencies, funds and programmes in Tanzania for the period July 2011 to June 2015. This ‘One plan’ for Tanzania supports the achievement of the international development goals, the Millennium Declaration and related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), national development priorities which are consistent with the MDGs, and the realization of international human rights in the country, including the right to humanitarian assistance for refugees.

Matendo haya ni dharau kwa urithi na mafundisho ya dini zote kubwa. Pia yanakwenda kinyume na Tamko  la Haki za Binadamu ambalo linasisitiza haki ya uhuru wa mawazo, dhamiri na dini. Ni muhimu  kuwawezesha wale wenye imani ya wastani kusimama thabiti dhidi ya nguvu za uhafidhina wa kidini. Hili linaweza tu kufanikiwa kama kuna uongozi thabiti.

Mwezi ujao mjini katika mkutano wao mjini Vienna, Muungano wa Ustaarabu (Alliance of Civilizations), utaendelea na juhudi za kuunganisha imani na tamaduni. Ikiwa ni kwa kiwango cha ulimwengu mzima au kijamii, viongozi wa kidini na kiutamaduni wanao wajibu wa kuzungumza lugha inayotoa ujumbe wa kuvumiliana na kuheshimiana. Huu ndiyo ujumbe mkuu wa Wiki ya Maelewano wa Kidini Duniani.

Ni lazima tuende kwa vijana na ujumbe wa matumaini. Mara nyingi kutokana na  kutengwa, kukosa ajira, na kukosa mustakabali wa uhakika, vijana wanajikuta katika mazingira ambayo wanavutwa kirahisi na wale wenye imani kali za kidini. Tunahitaji kufichua ubatili wa vivutio hivi na kuwapa vijana mazingira mbadala.

Haya hayawezi kufanikiwa kwa maneno tu. Vijana wanahitaji ajira na kuwa na hisa ya kueleweka kwenye mustakabali wanaoweza kuuamini. Umoja wa Mataifa kwa sasa uko katika mchakato wa kutengeneza ajenda ya maendeleo endelevu –baada ya 2015. Lengo letu ni kuondoa umaskini uliokithiri katika kipindi cha uhai wetu na kukuza uchumi unaotoa fursa sawa kwa wote bila kuharibu mazingira. Kufanya hilo, tunahitaji ushiriki wa wahusika wote—wakiwemo vijana na jumuia za kidini.

Tunaishi katika nyakati za mageuzi—kiuchumi, kimazingira, kidemografia na kisiasa. Mapito haya yanaleta matumaini na pia hali ya wasiwasi. Kazi yetu ni kuhakikisha kwamba matumaini yanashinda, na kazi yetu itakuwa rahisi iwapo wafuasi wa imani zote watashirikiana kufikia lengo moja. Tusisahau kwamba kinachotugawa sisi ni kidogo sana ukilinganisha na kile kinachotuunganisha. Tukifanya kazi kwa pamoja, tunaweza kufikia malego yetu ya ustawi katika amani, mafanikio, mwili na imani.

Fifty years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity, I am here to celebrate with you – and to look ahead to the next half-century of progress.

We just observed a minute of silence to mark the passing of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and President John Atta Mills of Ghana. The peaceful transfer of power that followed their deaths was a testament to the deepening of democratic norms and values across the continent.

Excellencies,

As Secretary-General of the United Nations, I have visited nearly 30 African countries during the last six years.  In each place, I listened – to the leaders and the people.

I have seen countries emerging from war and those with long-established peace. I have seen innovation, imagination and the tremendous determination of Africa’s people to thrive and prosper.

Africa has the experience to forge solutions to its own challenges and contribute to our global goals of inclusive growth, social justice and protecting our environment.

Some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa, as Madame [Nkosazana Dlamini-] Zuma has just said. Many countries have made important gains towards the Millennium Development Goals. More African children are in schools, especially girls.  More clinics are helping more women survive childbirth.  More African women sit in Government and key decision-making positions.

And here let me add my congratulations to the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Madame Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.  I look forward to working very closely with the new AU leadership.

At the same time, I’d like to pay my deep admiration for Dr. Jean Ping, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for his contribution and leadership to this great continent.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I welcome this progress. But like you I am still concerned about the hundreds of millions of Africans living in poverty.

That is why we are pushing for results. I count on all of you to attend the Special Event on the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] at the General Assembly in September this year at the United Nations.  We must accelerate our efforts as we near the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals.

At the same time, we are looking beyond the 2015 development agenda. Next week, the High-Level Panel of eminent persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda will meet in Monrovia, Liberia. I thank Her Excellency Panel Co-chair and President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia for hosting this important meeting.

Success will depend on ownership by governments and civil society.

Our destination is clear:  A future where Africa’s wealth enriches all of Africa’s people. Where misrule is only found in history books. Where Africa’s goods get a fair price on the global market. Where global partnerships mean shared prosperity.

African countries averaged a remarkable 5 per cent growth over the past decade – and are projected to grow by even more than 5 per cent by 2014.

But economic expansion is not an end in itself. Wealth cannot remain in the hands of the few.

Inequality is a recipe for instability.

Africa is the world’s youngest continent. Youth here yearn for jobs and a life of dignity. We must invest in them. Last week, I appointed a Special Envoy for Youth.

Let us put a special focus on Africa’s girls and women. They can drive peace and development. Later today, we will spotlight our goal of ending maternal deaths.

We must also stand against all forms of violence. We especially need to speak out against rape and sexual violence in conflict. Governments must support victims and end the culture of impunity. I urge the males here to join my Network of Men Leaders and all to support our COMMIT to End Violence against Women campaign.

I applaud the African Group for leading the General Assembly’s adoption of its first-ever resolution calling for an end to female genital mutilation.

Africa has made tremendous progress in reducing both HIV infection and AIDS deaths. The United Nations will continue to support you as we work for an AIDS-free generation, especially by ending HIV in newborns.

All of these gains will contribute to sustainable development. But lasting progress demands that we also address climate change.

The United Nations is proud to support the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative. I hope all African countries will continue to contribute to progress on climate change and my Sustainable Energy for all Initiative. This can open the way for enormous gains.

Next year, I am going to convene a summit meeting to mobilize political leadership for a legally binding global treaty on climate change – this we have to make by 2015 and allow five more years so that we will have an effective, legally binding climate change treaty. I count on your leadership.

At the same time, the international community must honour its commitments and step up development assistance to Africa. It is not enough for leaders to set targets on aid and trade. They have to follow through with results.

With so many donors facing fiscal pressures, I have warned them against reducing official development assistance. We need investments in development in order to fix the world economy. And beyond practical economic considerations, we have a moral obligation to help the poor and vulnerable people of our world.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Development is critical to peace – and peace is essential for development.

Our partnership aims to bring greater stability to Africa.

The UN, AU and others are working together in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the sidelines of this Summit, I hope that regional leaders will endorse a Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework to address the structural causes of the recurring cycles of violence.

The UN Mission, MONUSCO, is doing everything possible to protect civilians. We are considering establishing a peace enforcement capacity within the Mission to address the threat of armed groups in eastern DRC.

Mali is under threat from extremist armed insurgents. I welcome the timely bilateral assistance to the Malian army in response to the Government’s request.

As ECOWAS speeds up preparations to deploy AFISMA, I encourage the Malian authorities to embrace a comprehensive political process. This includes agreeing on a roadmap leading to the full restoration of constitutional order.

We are determined to do what we can to help the people of Mali in their time of need.  Humanitarian agencies are helping suffering civilians. The United Nations has also sent specialists on the military and political tracks. This is a moral imperative for all in the international community.  I have presented to the Security Council my recommendation on the logistics support package for AFISMA. And I am personally committed to ensuring that the United Nations stands ready, once the regrettably necessary combat operations are over, to undertake a major system-wide effort for peace-building, governance and security sector reform, physical reconstruction, and regional cooperation.

In Sudan and South Sudan, the parties have taken positive steps to resolve outstanding issues. But they should make more progress in meeting their agreements. I am especially concerned about the dangerous humanitarian situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States. I call on the authorities in Sudan and South Sudan to immediately begin direct talks to allow urgently needed humanitarian assistance to reach affected civilians.

In Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union continue to work closely together. The departure of Al-Shabaab from Kismaayo and other areas opened space for peacebuilding. Better security is helping to solidify Somalia’s democracy.

Later this month, I will present recommendations to the Security Council on a new United Nations presence in Somalia, including ways to strengthen the UN-AU partnership on the ground. I will work to secure urgently needed funding for AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia].

The international community must continue to urge national actors in Guinea-Bissau to come up with an inclusive transitional arrangement and roadmap for the full restoration of constitutional order.

In the Central African Republic, the restoration of peace and security depends on the parties observing the agreements they signed in Libreville earlier this month. They must also resolve long-standing governance, security and development issues.

I count on the African Union’s continued support to help [the parties forge a] political path that will meet the legitimate aspirations of both sides.  In this context, I am pleased to see such a warm welcome for President [Mahmoud] Abbas.

Excellencies,

Development and security demand democracy, accountability, shared responsibilities and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Peer Review Mechanism – which is now ten years old – show this continent’s commitment to protect people from abuse and deepen democratic governance.

This year the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons entered into force. It is the world’s first treaty to protect people who have fled within the borders of their countries.

You have fulfilled and expanded the vision of your founders. We see this in the peaceful transitions of power. We see this in the adoption of enlightened laws and constitutions. And we see Africa’s progress in the vibrant civil society that can challenge corruption and demand the good governance all people deserve.

Africa can draw inspiration from its record of achievement to manage the many complex transitions ahead.

As we celebrate Africa’s unity, I call on you, its leaders, to build on your proud traditions and uphold this continent’s commitment to peace, sustainable development, democratic rule and human rights – here and around the world.

Thank you very much.

When it comes to health, you are also grass-roots activists for Africa’s mothers and babies.

President Boni Yayi has personally pledged to make this a priority for the AU.

President Goodluck Jonathan, you and Nigeria are playing a leading role on the Commission on Life-saving Commodities for Women and Children.

The African Union’s CARMMA campaign has shown great progress.  Since it was launched three years ago, more than three dozen countries have joined. I applaud UNFPA for its support. And I thank Dr. Babatunde for his commitment.

By the way, you may know that Babatunde means “father comes back” in Yoruba. This could be our slogan.  We need our fathers and all men to return to this problem until we have solved it.

Thanks to all of you and many others, there has been dramatic progress in a number of African countries – including Ethiopia, which has reduced maternal deaths by 60 per cent.

But there are still too many tragedies across this continent.  Africa is also home to one out of every two women who die in childbirth.

We are here because we are determined to stop these needless maternal deaths. CARMMA is central to our global Every Woman Every Child movement.

We know what it takes to get results:

First, resources for high-impact interventions.

Second, innovative technologies and integrated services to reach even the most remote areas.

And third, scaled up investments in Africa’s women and girls.

To achieve lasting progress, we must advance all of the Millennium Development Goals.

We need to improve education. Enough schooling helps girls grow into women who can shape their destiny, including how many children they choose to have.

We need to address hunger, so that pregnant
and nursing mothers get the nutrition they need during the first crucial 1,000 days of life.

And we need to overcome poverty, so that everyone has access to the services and care they deserve.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have visited a number of clinics and health posts in different parts of Africa.  In 2011, together with Dr. Babatunde, I visited Nigeria and Ethiopia to spotlight maternal and child health.  Every time and everywhere I went, I have seen tremendous dedication in the eyes of the health workers.  And I have seen, in the women and girls, a great sense of relief and hope just from being at the clinics.

They soothe the worry of expectant mothers having early contractions.  They do essential check-ups on pregnant women. They vaccinate children against killer diseases.

It is a privilege for me to see these workers in action. And with that privilege comes a responsibility to support them and the women and children they serve.

You have my pledge that the United Nations will do everything possible to support and expand the CARMMA campaign so that we reach our Millennium Development Goals and make motherhood safe all across Africa.

Thank you.

When it comes to health, you are also grass-roots activists for Africa’s mothers and babies.

President Boni Yayi has personally pledged to make this a priority for the AU.

President Goodluck Jonathan, you and Nigeria are playing a leading role on the Commission on Life-saving Commodities for Women and Children.

The African Union’s CARMMA campaign has shown great progress.  Since it was launched three years ago, more than three dozen countries have joined. I applaud UNFPA for its support. And I thank Dr. Babatunde for his commitment.

By the way, you may know that Babatunde means “father comes back” in Yoruba. This could be our slogan.  We need our fathers and all men to return to this problem until we have solved it.

Thanks to all of you and many others, there has been dramatic progress in a number of African countries – including Ethiopia, which has reduced maternal deaths by 60 per cent.

But there are still too many tragedies across this continent.  Africa is also home to one out of every two women who die in childbirth.

We are here because we are determined to stop these needless maternal deaths. CARMMA is central to our global Every Woman Every Child movement.

We know what it takes to get results:

First, resources for high-impact interventions.

Second, innovative technologies and integrated services to reach even the most remote areas.

And third, scaled up investments in Africa’s women and girls.

To achieve lasting progress, we must advance all of the Millennium Development Goals.

We need to improve education. Enough schooling helps girls grow into women who can shape their destiny, including how many children they choose to have.

We need to address hunger, so that pregnant
and nursing mothers get the nutrition they need during the first crucial 1,000 days of life.

And we need to overcome poverty, so that everyone has access to the services and care they deserve.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have visited a number of clinics and health posts in different parts of Africa.  In 2011, together with Dr. Babatunde, I visited Nigeria and Ethiopia to spotlight maternal and child health.  Every time and everywhere I went, I have seen tremendous dedication in the eyes of the health workers.  And I have seen, in the women and girls, a great sense of relief and hope just from being at the clinics.

They soothe the worry of expectant mothers having early contractions.  They do essential
check-ups on pregnant women. They vaccinate children against killer diseases.

It is a privilege for me to see these workers in action. And with that privilege comes a responsibility to support them and the women and children they serve.

You have my pledge that the United Nations will do everything possible to support and expand the CARMMA campaign so that we reach our Millennium Development Goals and make motherhood safe all across Africa.

Thank you.

The Secretary-General renews his call of last December to Iraqi political leaders and Members of the Council of Representatives to engage in an inclusive dialogue, so as to strengthen the unity and security of the country. The United Nations, through the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), remains committed and stands ready to assist the people and the Government of Iraq in building a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous country.

For the last several years, the climate change meetings, the COP (Conference of the Parties) sustainable development meeting, the United Nations has been convening these CEB (Chief Executives Board) meetings to show that the United Nations leaders are committed and are working together with you in addressing all these very important issues, including climate change.

Today we are in Doha. This is the first time to ever hold the climate change meeting in a Gulf State and the second time in the Arab world. A group of countries in Arab (world), they are a playing a very important part in working together in addressing climate change and this is an important building block. Of course, we expect from this Doha meeting, that the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol will be adopted and will continue, and we also hope that there will be a strong political commitment by the leaders attending this meeting, so that we reaffirm our commitment and our agreement, which was done in Durban last year, that we will make this globally binding agreement on climate change to be reached by 2015; that we will have to present a clear picture of climate change financing, 100 million dollars a year by 2020.

Short-term financing is going to expire by the end of this month; then we have to agree on mid-term financing by 2015 from next year, then ultimately by 2020 – 100 million dollars. A Green Climate Fund Secretariat has already been established in Sombong, Korea and this is almost an empty shell. How to fill this empty shell with 100 million dollars, that will be a very important one, that will do something about our own credibility, that will do something about giving confidence and trust and a sense of hope to many in the developing world, particularly those vulnerable countries, we have to make it happen.

This morning, I have convened an informal brainstorming session where ministers and business community leaders, civil society, as well as former AGF – Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing – members participated. There are many options, workable options, they are on the table, they are in the hands of the member states. How to, in a balancing way, to organize our plan for 100 million dollars will be a very important one. Therefore my expectation in this Doha meeting is that, first, we come out with strong commitment of second commitment period for the Protocol, a strong commitment on globally-binding legal framework on climate change by 2015 which will ultimately be effective by 2020 and mobilize this money, 100 million dollars.

Those are three maybe expectations. I learned that are some mixed feelings, optimism or pessimism, but we have to work on the basis of optimism. If there is no optimism, there is no result; this is what I am asking you.

The United Nations is very much committed. A report by UNEP, and WMO and World Bank’s recent report suggest that we are the problems, that climate change is approaching fast much faster than we expect and we know. The recent Hurricane Sandy which struck many countries in the Caribbean and also New York, Manhattan and New Jersey – that was tragic – I have never seen such tragic things. I was not in the United States during the time of Katrina – but this is the second most serious destructive hurricane, also this is very tragic and destructive. It has given us some awakening call, a call to action: that before it is too late, we have to take action.

Doha is an important milestone pointing towards 2015, when we will finally be able to agree on this climate agreement, and I really count on your strong commitment. As the Secretary-General I am not going to engage in negotiating; that’s not my mandate. But as the Secretary-General, I have a broad mandate to talk about peace and security, and well-being and prosperity, development, sustainable development, that’s my responsibility. So therefore, I’m really going to continue to press Member States, in a political way. I don’t have any tools to press you physically, [laughter] but I have important tools, moral tools to urge leaders and I am sure we are in the good hands of his Highness here, al-Attiyah, President of COP 18, and his leadership, and I am sure that we will have a very good outcome.

I’m going to meet major groupings of countries or individual countries, to discuss how we can work together. You are all important building blocks. When all these building blocks are united, I think we can make it happen. We have a responsibility as I have often said, that we have a moral responsibility, and as ministers and as leaders, you have a political responsibility for our future generation. Please remember that we are loaning our future from our next generation. That is a very important factor that we should never forget.

Let us avoid our skepticism. Let us prove wrong all those doubters on climate change and let us also avoid obstructions by certain people, who that when they present technically impossible and practically sometimes impossible, but ideally very visionary things. We are now in the beginning of this process, so it is important that we come out of Doha with a clear message, the sense of hope that this can be done by 2015, and I really count on your leadership and strong commitment. Your voices are much important and I will add my own voice to your voices. And I really thank the leaders of United Nations, World Bank and the Member States for all your leadership.

Thank you very much.

The theme for this year’s event is “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all” which translates into Kiswahili to mean, “Ondosha vikwazo ili kujenga jamii jumuishi inayofikika kwa wote.”

The Tanzania federation of disabled people’s organization (SHIVYAWATA) will bring together National Disability Organizations which represent different types of disabilities to commemorate the International Disability Day.  “Through our solidarity we envision a society which advocates for and empowers persons with disabilities through the recognition of human rights, creation of barrier free environment and inclusive society for all people in Tanzania” a communication from the SHIVYAWATA Executive Director, Novath Rukwago stated.

The event which is celebrated globally on the 3^rd of December.

The UN information center in Dar es Salaam has provided six public information banners to support the event.

Migration trends

• The number of people having emigrated from LDCs rose from 19 million in 2000 to 27 million in 2010. This amounts to 3.3% of their populations.
• LDCs account for 13% of the worldwide total of emigrants – similar to LDCs’ share of world population (12.1%).
• Four fifths of LDC emigrants live in developing countries (the South) and only one fifth in developed countries (the North).

Remittances

• Remittances grew almost eight-fold between 1990 and 2011: from US$3.5 billion to $27 billion. Since 2008 they have continued rising despite the onset of and fallout from the world financial and economic crisis.
• In 2011 remittance inflows to Tanzania are coming from the UK-  4.5 $m; Canada-3.2$m and Kenya 2.5$m.
• In 2011, remittances to LDCs were almost double the value of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to these countries ($15 billion) and were only exceeded by official development assistance (ODA) as a source of foreign financing ($42 billion in 2010).
• Remittance receipts per LDC inhabitant tripled between 2000 and 2010 from $10 to $30.
• Remittances are much more important for LDCs than for other country groups. In LDCs, remittances amount to 4.4% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 15% of exports. These shares are three times higher than in other developing countries (non-LDCs).
• From 2008 through 2010, remittances corresponded to more the one fifth of the GDPs of Lesotho, Samoa, Haiti, and Nepal.
• From 2009 through 2011, Nepal and Haiti received more foreign exchange from remittances than from exports.
• For nine LDCs, remittance flows exceeded receipts of both FDI and ODA in 2008–2010: Bangladesh, Haiti, Lesotho, Nepal, Samoa, Senegal, Sudan, Togo, and Yemen. In eight other LDCs over that period, remittances surpassed FDI: Benin, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kiribati, and Uganda.
• Two thirds of LDC remittances originate in developing countries.
• Worldwide, the cost of remitting money amounts to 9% of the value sent; in the case, of LDCs the cost (at 12%) is one third higher.
• If countries in sub-Saharan Africa had paid world average remittance fees, their receipts would have been $6 billion higher in 2010.
• Just three countries accounted for 66% of all remittances to LDCs from 2009–2011: Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sudan.
• LDCs have now more mobile phone subscriptions (368 per 1,000 inhabitants) than bank accounts (171 per 1,000 inhabitants). Mobile phones can potentially be used to receive and send remittances.

Brain drain

• One out of every five highly skilled (that is, university-educated) persons from LDCs lives abroad. In developed countries, the proportion is one in 25.
• Six LDCs have more tertiary-educated people living abroad than at home: Haiti, Samoa, Gambia, Tuvalu, and Sierra Leone.
• Two thirds of high-skilled emigrants from LDCs live in developed countries; one third live in developing countries
• The brain drain rate (that is, the share of highly skilled nationals living abroad) is considered “high” (above 20%) in most LDCs (30 out of 48).
• An estimated 2 million university-educated persons from LDCs live and work abroad.
• An estimated number of Tanzanian emigrate to UK by 2000 is 10,535.
• The higher the income level of host countries, the more selective is its immigration. In developed countries, 35% of immigrants are university-educated; in LDCs, just 4% of immigrants have the same level of education. These shares apply to immigrants coming from all countries, but similar proportions also apply to immigrants originating from LDCs.
• One third of LDC university-educated emigrants live in just one country: the United States.

Macroeconomic performance

• The annual economic growth rate of LDCs since the world economic crisis (2009–2011) was 4.7%, significantly lower than during the boom years (2003–2008): 7.9%. This means that the annual growth rate of income per inhabitant declined from 5.4% during the boom period to 2.4%.
• The average real growth rate of GDP of LDCs in 2011, at 4.2%, was even lower than the 4.9% growth they recorded in 2009 in the midst of the global recession.
• Gross fixed capital formation in the LDCs rose slightly from 20.7% of GDP in 2005–2007 to 21.6% in 2008–2010. Still, it remained well below that of other developing countries, which achieved a rate of 30.1% in the latter period
• LDCs continue to be very dependent on external resources. The current account deficit was higher than 20% of GDP in five LDCs in 2011, while in another 13 LDCs it stood above 10% of GDP
• The resource gap (reliance on external sources to finance domestic investment) in 2008–2010 was around 15% of GDP for non-oil exporting LDCs.
• 62% of exports from the 48 LDCs originated from just five countries: Angola, Bangladesh, Equatorial Guinea, Yemen, and Sudan. Except for Bangladesh, these nations are oil exporters.
• LDC exports depend strongly on one product (oil), which generates 46% of their total export revenues.
• More than half of LDC exports (54%) were destined for developing countries in 2011, confirming the rising importance of South-South trade. China accounted for 26.4% of LDC exports, surpassing the European Union (20.4%) and the United States (19%).

WHAT ARE THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES?

Forty-eight countries currently are designated by the United Nations as “least developed countries” (LDCs). They are distributed among the following regions:

Africa (33): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia;

Asia (9): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, Timor-Leste and Yemen;

Caribbean (1): Haiti;

Pacific (5): Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Figure 1 – 48 least developed countries (LDCs)

Source: UNCTAD

Establishing the LDC list

The list of LDCs is reviewed every three years by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, based on recommendations by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP).

In its latest review of the list in March 2012, the CDP used the following three criteria:

1. A per capita income criterion, based on the gross national income (GNI) per capita (a 3-year average), with a threshold of $992 for cases of addition to the list, and a threshold of $1,190 for cases of graduation from LDC status;

2. A human assets criterion, based on a composite index (the Human Assets Index) which includes indicators of nutrition, health, school enrolment, and literacy;

3. An economic vulnerability criterion, based on a composite index (the Economic Vulnerability Index) which includes indicators of natural shocks, trade-related shocks; physical exposure to shocks, economic exposure to shocks, smallness, and remoteness.

For all three criteria, different thresholds are used for identifying cases of addition to the list of LDCs and cases of graduation from the list. A country will qualify to be added to the list if it meets addition thresholds on all three criteria, and does not have a population greater than 75 million. A country will normally qualify for graduation from LDC status if it has met graduation thresholds under at least two of the three criteria in at least two consecutive triennial reviews of the list. However, if the GNI per capita of an LDC has risen to a level at least double the graduation threshold, the country will be deemed eligible for graduation regardless of its performance under the other two criteria.

Only three countries have so far graduated from the list of LDCs: Botswana in December 1994, Cape Verde in December 2007, and Maldives in January 2011. Samoa’s graduation is planned to take place on 1 January 2014. ECOSOC, in July 2009, endorsed the CDP’s recommendation to graduate Equatorial Guinea and in July 2012, accepted the CDP’s recommendation that Vanuatu graduate. Further endorsement by the General Assembly is required for these two countries to officially become graduate from the ranks of LDCs.

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The Least Developed Countries Report 2012 addresses the issues of remittance flows to LDCs and the potential role of diasporas in LDCs’ development. It argues that with the right policies and international support, LDCs could enhance the benefits from remittances and the knowledge and know-how accumulated in their diasporas. Using evidence and policy lessons from other countries, the report shows how LDCs could better harness remittances and diasporas knowledge to build their productive capacities.

Regarding LDCs’ recent economic performance, the Report argues that the uncertain global economic recovery continues to undermine the factors that enabled them to attain higher growth rates between 2002 and 2008. After a slight improvement in 2010, the group performed less favourably in 2011, signalling major challenges ahead. Moreover, if another global downturn dampens growth prospects for the developing economies, LDCs, as major commodity exporters, will be hard hit.

The Report then examines the impact on LDCs of past and current migration patterns that have created diasporas in different parts of the world, and the potential for utilizing the knowledge and experience gained by diasporas for the development of the home countries. Given the increasing magnitude of remittances in LDCs in recent years, the Report explores both their beneficial as well as possible adverse impacts. The evidence suggests that remittances contribute to poverty reduction and improved health care and education, and constitute a significant source of external financing whose availability, if managed through appropriate policies, could prove particularly valuable for capital-scarce LDCs. However, this Report cautions that remittances may increase dependence on external sources of financing, thereby further increasing LDCs’ vulnerability to external shocks and further reducing their policy space. If remittances are to be harnessed for increasing productive capacities, they must be viewed pragmatically, with the recognition that ultimately these are private sector resources, and due consideration must be given to each country’s specificities.

Other forms of diasporas engagement with home countries such as diasporas knowledge networks can potentially facilitate technological catching-up in LDCs and thus enhance development of productive capacities. While concerns about the adverse impact of brain drain remain valid, the focus of the recent debate has shifted to how to engage with diasporas and maximize their contribution to development. In this respect, the emphasis has been placed on their latent role as “knowledge brokers” who could facilitate the emergence of new trade patterns, technology transfer, skills and knowledge exchange. Through innovative forms of network-based industrial policy, LDCs could offset some of the adverse impacts of brain drain on their economies. The Report proposes novel ways to mobilize the diasporas networks that would boost the development prospects of LDC economies.

Active engagement with diasporas is a recent phenomenon in the LDCs. This Report argues that more systematic policy action is needed in order to enhance the contributions of diasporas to development. This requires mobilization and coordination of the efforts and resources of different stakeholders, especially home country institutions and firms, host country governments, diasporas organizations, international organizations and bilateral donors. The Report concludes by identifying policies, including lessons from the experiences of other countries, which LDCs may wish to consider in designing policy frameworks for harnessing remittances and diasporas knowledge to build productive capacities.