Homepage
Supporting a Confident Transition Beyond LDC Status
New York, 28 April 2026 - Graduation from the category of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is an important milestone—one that reflects years of progress, resilience, and sustained national effort. Yet for many countries, graduation also marks the beginning of a delicate transition. As preferential treatments and LDC-specific international support measures are gradually phased out, the risk of disruption remains real. Without careful planning and continued cooperation, development gains can be placed under strain.
Recognizing this critical juncture, United Nations Member States have established the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Smooth Transition for Countries Graduating from the LDC Category. Convened under the auspices of the UN General Assembly, the Working Group serves as a dedicated intergovernmental platform to strengthen the international community’s support for graduating and recently graduated countries during this pivotal phase.
The Working Group responds directly to calls in the Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2022–2031, which underscores the importance of early action, enhanced monitoring, and predictable support to ensure that graduation is sustainable and irreversible. While graduation brings new opportunities for integration into the global economy, it must not result in abrupt losses of vital financial, technical, or trade-related assistance.
Learn more about the Working Group, its mandate, and ongoing discussions
Programmes of Action for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS
Serving 92 vulnerable member states.
The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) supports groups of vulnerable countries in the United Nations system. The 44 Least Developed Countries, 32 Landlocked Developing Countries and 39 Small Island Developing States have their own special challenges.
LDC Future Forum 2026
19-21 May 2026, Helsinki, Finland
The Fourth LDC Future Forum represents a strategic moment to convert the energy and creativity of youth into concrete progress through targeted investments in education, innovation, decent jobs, and inclusive growth. This ambition reflects the vision of the Doha Programme of Action, which regards youth and human capital as essential to development and graduation from LDC status.
View more
Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
5 - 8 August 2025, Awaza, Turkmenistan
4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States
27-30 May 2024, Antigua and Barbuda
Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries
5-9 March 2023, Doha, Qatar
Events
Least Developed
Countries
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) represent the poorest and most vulnerable segment of the international community.
2025 LDC Graduation Guide
Landlocked Developing
Countries
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face challenges due to their remoteness, lack of territorial access to the sea and significant distance from world markets.
Small Island
Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are remote from world markets and suffer from climate change and fragile natural environments.
