Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-The least developed countries (LDCs) are being affected unduly and disproportionately due to the global financial crisis, climate change, food and energy crisis and unemployment, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has said.

She said this in a statement on behalf of the LDCs at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Group of 77 and China on Friday.

The participants discussed issues of common concern for the group, as a ministerial declaration was adopted in the meeting, according to a message received in the capital, Dhaka on Saturday.   

The foreign minister attended a number of programs on the sidelines of the 64th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

The minister attributed the anomalies and lack of proper regulation in the international financial institutions for such crisis. “Such institutions should have a more democratic ambiance and LDCs need to be represented more to ensure their proper functioning,” she added.

The minister emphasized the need for more responsible act by the developed countries to prevent the climate change damages and assist the developing countries for necessary adaptation measures. “In order to further resist the aggravation of the financial crisis and its collateral damages, the developed countries should act more judiciously in trade relations with the LDCs by reducing the barriers to import,” she noted.

Dipu Moni also attended a breakfast meeting on Friday morning on “Combating Violence against Girls”, which was co-hosted by the foreign ministers of USA, Brazil and the Netherlands.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-27eptember09-5:07 am (BST)