The invitation to attend the conference was extended to President Buhari by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. According to Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, the conference provides an opportunity to garner the support of the international community for accelerating sustainable development in the LDCs and assist them in making progress towards achieving prosperity.
President Buhari will reinforce Nigeria's commitment to supporting the most vulnerable countries to meet their development challenges and highlight areas in which the Nigerian government has provided assistance over time. Mr Shehu also stated that the Nigerian leader will vigorously reiterate the need for sustainable solutions for countries facing challenges such as poverty, adverse effects of climate change, food and energy crisis, and high-debt burden.
The summit aims to share developmental ideas and mobilize political will, solidarity, action, and solutions to transform the LDCs, by finding sustainable solutions to the challenges of poverty, food insecurity, hunger, and weak or non-existent infrastructure. It will also address the challenges of inadequate health facilities, and climate change, among others, as these countries struggle to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The president's delegation includes some ministers and top government officials who are expected to use the opportunity of the visit to sign agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the Qatari government. The Summit will be attended by world leaders, the private sector, civil society, and youth organizations.
President Buhari is expected to return to the country on Monday.