Need a Reimagined LDC Graduation Paradigm – Dr Debapriya

On 27 February 2025, 𝘋𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘺𝘢 spoke at the open session of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP). The session aimed to facilitate an interactive discussion among CDP members, representatives of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), development partner Member States, and UN entities. The theme of 𝘋𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘣’s presentation was 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘋𝘊 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 – 𝘌𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. The purpose of the presentation was to reflect on the development experiences of LDCs and the effectiveness of the international support measures over the past decades, as well as to exchange perspectives on the future work of the UN CDP.

In his presentation, 𝘋𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘣, a ranking member of the UN CDP, emphasised the need to reassess the LDC graduation framework for a more inclusive and transformative transition. He noted significant diversity among the 14 LDCs in the graduation pipeline, while 30 LDCs still lagging much behind in multiple dimensions.

He highlighted key challenges for LDCs, including internal conflicts, economic stagnation, fragile governance and climate vulnerabilities. He pointed out that over 70% of these countries face debt distress, and existing trade agreements often fail to provide tangible benefits. While “graduation” signifies progress, it exposes LDCs to economic shocks due to reduced international support.

Looking ahead, 𝘋𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘣 called for a reimagined graduation paradigm that goes beyond traditional indicators, advocating for institutional reforms, enhanced climate resilience, and conflict mitigation strategies. He stressed the importance of a tailored international support system to ensure LDCs achieve and sustain long-term, inclusive growth.

The session was chaired by Dr José Antonio Ocampo Gaviria, Chair, UN CDP and Professor, Columbia University, and the introductory remarks were delivered by Dr Taffere Tesfachew, member, UN CDP. H.E. Dr Chola Milambo, Ph.D., Permanent Representative of Zambia; 𝘏.𝘌. 𝘔𝘳 𝘖𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘶, Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso; 𝘏.𝘌. 𝘔𝘳 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘢 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘦, Permanent Representative of Guinea-Bissau; and 𝘏.𝘌. 𝘔𝘴 𝘚𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘦 𝘋𝘦 𝘚𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘵, Permanent Representative of Belgium, also addressed the session. Additional remarks were made by Mr Rolf Traeger, Chief of the Least Developed Countries Section, UNCTAD and 𝘔𝘳 𝘙𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘶𝘴, Acting Director at the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS).