CDP member Stephan Klasen passed away after a long illness on October 27, 2020. Leading the work of the LDC subgroup since joining the Committee in 2013, he skillfully guided the CDP's work on LDCs and his efforts greatly improved the LDC criteria and graduation framework. Between 2016 and 2019, he co-led the CDP's work on the pledge to leave no one behind, central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and analyzed conceptual and empirical issues involved in its operationalization. He also contributed to the CDP’s work on expanding productive capacities in LDCs and on global governance.

Stephan was a true leader, never imposing his views but persuading others based on his knowledge and skills. His kind personality, expertise and intellectual contributions will truly be missed.

The University of Göttingen has established two postdoctoral fellowships in his honor.

His farewell lecture, delivered in November 2019, can be accessed here.