The High Representative for the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS convened an Inter-agency meeting on the preparations for the International Ministerial Conference in New York on 5 June 2002 for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States in cooperation with the secretariat of the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination. It was attended by 35 representatives from more than 20 United Nations agencies and the regional commissions. (See Report of the Inter-agency meeting)

The main purpose of the Inter-agency meeting was to build a consensus among United Nations system organizations and other stakeholders on the conceptual framework and organizational aspects of the International Ministerial Conference. The Inter-agency meeting endorsed the following approaches:

A broad-based participatory approach. Consequently, efforts are made to ensure that Governments, United Nations entities and other relevant organizations have a sense of ownership of the preparatory process as well as the outcome of the International Ministerial Conference. The effective and meaningful involvement of the private sector is also an important element of the process.


Achieving the expected outcome with minimum resources. The importance of mobilizing extra-budgetary resources was consequently emphasised by the participants.


A well-coordinated and well-planned preparatory work. The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States has the responsibility for overall coordination for the preparation and organization of the International Ministerial Conference. UNCTAD, the World Bank and the regional commissions take a lead in substantive and technical aspects of the International Ministerial Conference within their respective areas of competence and comparative advantage.