50 percent of LCD's must graduate by 2020: Lilo

By Evan Wasuka, One Television, Solomon Islands

22 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro - Half of the world’s 49 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) must graduate within 10 years time, as required by the 2011 Istanbul Programme of Action, says Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo.

For this to happen developed nations must fulfill past commitment and those made at Rio+20, said Mr Lilo.

“Clean technology transfer is now needed and must be made affordable with a rural focus and community based. Sufficient finance is needed to allow LDCs economies to make the necessary transformation. This will mean making new financial commitments from 2013-2017 for thirty billion dollars so that there be no gap in financing as agreed to under the fast start financing commitment.

“Large foreign investors will need to be more responsible in exploiting natural resources more responsibly, stop destructive fishing practices to preserving the health of fish stocks and reducing harmful green house gas (GHG) emissions to ensure corals and marine life survives.”

LDC countries have over 880 million people and account for the majority of the world’s poor.

The 49 LDC members are guided by the 2011 Istanbul Programme of Action.

“The link between the Istanbul Program of Action and the Rio outcome document is deep and strong. Rio document shares the same vision with the eradication of poverty, the central element of sustainable development.

In the Pacific, Samoa is expected to graduate from being an LDCs by 2014.

“I am indeed pleased to see many of us have developed National Strategic Development Goals. All of these strategies point to the same direction, sustainable development must be inclusive and people centred.”

For the Solomon Islands the priority sector for sustainable development is agriculture, fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and the mining sectors.

Mr Lilo said the Solomon Islands relies on the health of the environment and its ecosystems for their livelihood and are impacted by on-going climate change, from increased frequency of natural disasters, sea level rise, relocation of populations, food, health and water security.

"It is there fundamental that reform of international institutions cannot solely focus only on one pillar of sustainable development, environment but all three pillars economic, social and environment.”