Championing the Least Developed Countries at Davos 2025
The annual pilgrimage to Davos, where the world’s elite gather to address global challenges, often feels like a paradox. On one side, private jets buzz into Switzerland’s Alpine haven, ferrying billionaires, politicians, and celebrities. On the other, nearly half the world struggles with inequality, food insecurity, and the fallout of climate change.
Against this backdrop, Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), has issued a rallying cry: focus on the world’s poorest nations.
The Elephant in the Room
As the wealthy debate the nuances of climate action over gourmet dinners, the numbers speak volumes. According to Oxfam, the richest 1% of humanity owns almost half of the world’s wealth, while the poorest 50% scrape by with less than 1%. For the 44 Least Developed Countries, home to nearly one billion people, this chasm is growing wider by the day.
Hunger and food insecurity have reached staggering levels. Globally, 733 million people face hunger, while 2.33 billion suffer from food insecurity. In LDCs, the situation is even more dire, exacerbated by external shocks like climate change and geopolitical tensions.
“The gap between the haves and have-nots is more than economic; it’s a reflection of a global system that side-lines the most vulnerable,” Maharaj asserts. He believes the World Economic Forum (WEF) must go beyond rhetoric to deliver meaningful action.
Technology as an Equaliser
Davos 2025 has chosen the theme ‘Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,’ highlighting the transformative potential of technology. Yet for the world’s poorest nations, the digital revolution remains out of reach. In LDCs, only 36% of the population has internet access, and digital infrastructure is woefully inadequate.
Despite these challenges, the digital economy offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for these countries to leapfrog traditional development hurdles. The WEF estimates that the digital economy could generate 70% of new global value over the next decade. But without deliberate interventions—such as technology transfers, capacity-building initiatives, and financial support—LDCs risk being left behind.
“Technology can be the great equaliser, but only if we make it accessible to everyone,” Maharaj stresses. “This isn’t charity; it’s an investment in a more equitable and stable world.”
A Seat at the Table
The tech giants and industrial leaders dominating discussions at Davos have an essential role in reshaping global supply chains. By fostering inclusive practices, multinational corporations can help integrate LDCs into the global economy. This means sharing best practices, supporting local small and medium enterprises, and investing in these underserved regions.
Maharaj calls on the private sector to step up. “Big business has the resources and expertise to make a difference. They can help build local capacity, create jobs, and ensure the benefits of globalisation are more evenly distributed.”
Education as a Foundation
Education remains a cornerstone for progress, yet the numbers paint a bleak picture. Globally, 260 million children were out of school in 2020, and the situation in LDCs is particularly severe. Many of these countries spend more on servicing external debt than on education, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Digital skill-building offers a lifeline. Low-cost technologies can bridge educational gaps and equip LDC populations with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. Wealthier nations, Maharaj argues, must prioritise funding and expertise to support these initiatives.
“Education isn’t just about schools; it’s about preparing people for the future,” he explains. “By investing in human capital, we’re laying the groundwork for sustainable development.”
Safeguarding the Planet
For many in LDCs, climate change isn’t a future threat—it’s a daily reality. Rising sea levels, severe droughts, and devastating storms are displacing millions and undermining food security. And yet, these nations contribute less than 4% of global emissions.
Maharaj emphasises the need for climate financing and technology transfer. From early-warning systems to disaster management tools, advanced technologies can save lives and livelihoods. “Developed nations must honour their commitments to climate funding. It’s a matter of justice, not charity,” he says.
Moving Beyond Tokenism
Global collaboration and multilateralism are often touted at events like Davos, but rising inequality and isolationism suggest otherwise. For the WEF to regain credibility, it must prioritise inclusivity.
“This isn’t just about altruism; it’s about creating a more stable and prosperous world for everyone,” Maharaj states. By addressing the needs of the billion people living in LDCs, Davos has the chance to transform itself from a talking shop for the privileged into a genuine forum for progress.
A Future of Shared Prosperity
The challenges facing the Least Developed Countries are monumental, but they are not insurmountable. With the right mix of willpower, financing, and collaboration, these nations can achieve sustainable growth, improve quality of life, and contribute meaningfully to the global economy.
Deodat Maharaj’s vision for a fairer world is clear: “We need a global system that lifts people up, not leaves them out. Davos 2025 has the opportunity to be a turning point—a place where words translate into action.”
For the billions living on the margins, this isn’t just a hope—it’s a necessity.
