Global Leaders Unite in Doha to Turn LDC Graduation into a Launchpad for Resilience and Growth

Doha, 2 December 2025 – The high-level meeting of the least developed countries, entitled “Building ambitious global partnerships for a sustainable and resilient exit from the LDC list,” kicked off in Doha on Tuesday.

The meeting is jointly organized by the State of Qatar and the United Nations through the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, within the framework of implementing the Doha Action Agenda “2022-2031”.

The first day of the High-level Meeting concluded with a strong call for solidarity, innovation, and partnership to ensure that graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category becomes a gateway to resilience and prosperity rather than vulnerability.

Opening and Welcome Remarks

H.E. Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation of Qatar, welcomed participants and reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering commitment to multilateral development and the Doha Programme of Action (DPOA). She emphasized that empowering LDCs is a shared responsibility and a strategic investment in global stability and prosperity. “Graduation is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new era of growth, investment, and partnerships,” she said.

Ms. Rabab Fatima, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for LDCs, stressed that “Graduation must not be a point of vulnerability—it should serve as a launchpad for resilience, inclusive growth, and long-term partnership.” She called for transformative partnerships and tailored support to prevent “graduation cliffs” and ensure smooth, sustainable transitions.

H.E. Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai, Foreign Secretary of Nepal and Chair of the LDC Group, urged the international community to forge partnerships that are “not piecemeal but transformative, not symbolic but substantive,” matching the scale of challenges and the urgency of the moment.

The three-day meeting brings together officials and experts from the least developed countries, along with development partners and United Nations representatives, to discuss ways to better support countries seeking to move out of this category and embark on development prospects through internationally supported national plans, and to seek to strengthen regional and international partnerships, in order to contribute to achieving sustainable development and enabling the least developed countries to build strong and shock-resistant economies.

Session 1: Strategic Pathways for Sustainable Graduation

Moderated by Ms. Rabab Fatima, this high-level ministerial dialogue explored innovative policies and pathways to help graduating and graduated countries thrive amid global uncertainties. Leaders from Tuvalu, São Tomé and Príncipe, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Qatar shared experiences on economic diversification, resilience-building, and leveraging technology. The discussion underscored the need for tailored, country-driven strategies to address vulnerabilities and unlock new partnerships, resources, and technologies.

Session 2: Integrated and Inclusive Smooth Transition Strategies

Chaired by H.E. Bunnak Poch of Cambodia, this session focused on aligning Smooth Transition Strategies (STS) with national development plans to safeguard progress toward the SDGs. Speakers from Bhutan, Lao PDR, and UN DESA highlighted lessons learned in preparing and implementing STS, stressing the importance of gradual, predictable phase-outs of LDC-specific support and adaptive frameworks to ensure irreversible progress.

Session 3: Mobilizing Domestic Resources and Attracting Investment

Led by H.E. Kesang Deki of Bhutan, this session examined how strengthening fiscal systems and attracting productive investment—including foreign direct investment—can drive resilient growth beyond graduation. Experts from Senegal, Qatar Fund for Development, and UNECA emphasized reforms to improve investment climates, foster innovation, and align resources with national priorities to secure long-term competitiveness.

The day closed with a shared commitment to make graduation a milestone of hope and confidence. Participants agreed that sustained partnerships, innovative financing, and inclusive strategies are essential to ensure that no country is left behind.