The Fourth UN Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC/IV) will take place in Istanbul on 9-13 May 2011 under the theme “Partnership against Poverty”. The Conference will assess the results of the 10-year action plan for Least developed countries (LDCs) adopted at the Third United Nations Conference and adopt new measures and strategies for the sustainable development of LDCs into the next decade.

The entire United Nations System, including the ILO, has been mobilized to contribute expert knowledge in their respective areas and deliver a comprehensive and action-oriented outcome. In the preparatory meetings that preceded the conference, the promotion of productive capacities in agriculture, manufacturing and services has emerged as the defining challenge to sustain inclusive and equitable growth and generate productive employment and decent work in the 48 LDCs – the weakest segment of the international community.

An ILO study entitled Growth, Employment and Decent Work in the Least Developed Countries has been prepared for the Conference. It reviews trends in growth, employment and decent work in LDCs, highlighting challenges and opportunities for structural transformation, job creation and poverty eradication and offers a portfolio of policy options for job creation and poverty reduction to be tailored to country needs and circumstances.

The ILO Director-General Juan Somavia will participate in several high level events organized in Istanbul. In addition, the ILO has organized a tripartite event on "Employment and Social Protection in LDCs" to present the findings of its LDC report and to discuss opportunities and challenges for governments, employers and trade unions in LDCs. Other special events involving the ILO will be held on productive capacity, gender migration and care workers, South-South cooperation as well as the promotion of sustainable tourism in LDCs. More details on those special events can be found below: