UNCDF’s development approach is framed by the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011-2020 that was adopted, along with the Istanbul Declaration, by the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries, held in Istanbul, Turkey, on 9-13 May 2011.

As a small-scale multilateral organization having the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) as its primary target constituency, UNCDF plays a unique role in the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA).

The IPoA charts out the international community’s vision and strategy for the sustainable development of LDCs for the next decade with a strong focus on developing their productive capacities. A broad range of actors is expected to contribute to the IPoA implementation, including donor countries, developing countries, parliaments, the private sector, civil society, the UN system and international and regional financial institutions.

The IPoA recognizes that LDCs represent an enormous human and natural resource potential for world economic growth, welfare and prosperity and that addressing their special development needs will contribute to the cause of peace, prosperity and sustainable development for all. Based on the lessons learned during the ten-year implementation of the Brussels Programme of Action, the IPoA develops a number of goals and objectives, principles as well as priority areas for action.

The overarching goal of the IPoA is to overcome the structural challenges faced by the LDCs in order to eradicate poverty and achieve internationally agreed development goals, with a special focus on MDGs. It specifically aims to enable half of the LDCs to meet the criteria for graduation. This is closely related to the objective to achieve sustained, equitable and inclusive economic growth in LDCs to at least a level of 7 percent annually.

The IPoA focuses on reducing vulnerabilities of LDCs and addresses new challenges to development including the effects of the interlinked food, fuel and economic crises and climate change, with a strong focus on structural transformation trough increasing productive capacity. The IPoA also aims at generating full and productive employment and decent work for all, particularly for the youth.