Least developed countries at 50: Mid-life crisis or resilient maturity?

The category of the least developed countries (LDCs) was created 50 years ago by UN General Assembly Resolution 2768 (XXVI) of 18 November 1971. It followed the research and policy work done by UNCTAD since its inception, later complemented by the efforts of the Committee for Development Planning. At present these countries find themselves at a crossroads between remaining trapped in the traditional symptoms of underdevelopment or forging ahead and building resilience to intensifying shocks. In this context, the issue of the present suitability and efficiency of the measures put in place over the last 50 years to support these countries needs to be asked.