High-Level Meeting Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Sustainable Graduation of Least Developed Countries

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Doha, 4 December 2025 – The High-Level Meeting on “Forging Ambitious Global Partnerships for Sustainable and Resilient Graduation of Least Developed Countries” concluded today in Doha, Qatar, with strong calls for innovative partnerships and concrete support measures to ensure that graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category is sustainable and irreversible.

Co-organized by the State of Qatar through Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the three-day meeting brought together ministers, senior officials, development partners, and representatives of international organizations to discuss strategies for smooth transition and resilience-building for graduating and graduated LDCs.

The meeting underscored the urgency of operationalizing the Doha Programme of Action (DPOA) and its commitment to enable 15 additional LDCs to meet graduation criteria by 2031. It also stressed the importance of structural transformation, global solidarity, and incentives-based framework to ensure that graduation becomes a true milestone toward resilience and prosperity.

Key priorities highlighted during the meeting included:

• Smooth Transition Strategies (STS) that are nationally owned and integrated into development plans.
• Structural transformation and productive capacity building, with emphasis on digital and green transitions.
• Expanded trade opportunities and resilience-building measures to address vulnerabilities and shocks.
• Enhanced support through the iGRAD Facility, bolstered by Qatar’s generous pledge of USD 10 million.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UN-OHRLLS, called on all stakeholders to maintain momentum and deepen partnerships:

“Let us leave Doha inspired and united in our commitment to ensuring that graduation becomes a gateway to resilience, opportunity, and sustainable prosperity. Let us build on the spirit of partnership we have forged here – strengthening incentives, expanding cooperation, and ensuring that every country advances with the full support of the global community.”

Highlighting Qatar’s leadership, Mr. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), stated: ”As we advance the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action, Qatar is committed to working with global partners to transform its vision into measurable progress for Least Developed Countries. Through strengthened cooperation and targeted support, we aim to ensure that graduation is not only achieved, but that it becomes a durable foundation for resilience and sustainable prosperity. This convening has demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of aligning our efforts to provide the tools, resources, and partnerships that LDCs need to navigate the transition with confidence and long-term stability.”

The meeting served as a platform for peer learning, with countries such as Bangladesh, Lao PDR, and Nepal, scheduled to graduate in 2026, sharing their preparation strategies. Graduated countries also provided valuable insights on navigating the post-graduation landscape. Discussions emphasized the critical importance of STS to mitigate the potential impacts of losing LDC-specific international support measures.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Doha Agreed Statement on Global Partnerships for Sustainable Graduation of LDCs outlining key principles for an incentives-based graduation framework and strategic guidelines for operationalizing iGRAD. A summary report with key recommendations will be published on the UN-OHRLLS website and feed into upcoming discussions at the UN General Assembly on smooth transition and preparations for the Comprehensive Midterm Review of the DPOA in 2027.

About QFFD

Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) is the State of Qatar’s official provider for international development and humanitarian assistance. Guided by Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the State’s International Cooperation Strategy, and aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, QFFD leads transformative change by translating Qatar’s commitment to global solidarity into action, advancing progress toward a just, sustainable, and inclusive world through innovative finance, strategic programs, and high-impact partnerships.

Since its establishment, QFFD has disbursed over $7 billion across more than 100 countries, focusing on vital sectors such as education, health, economic empowerment, and humanitarian assistance, while also addressing cross-cutting priorities including climate resilience, food security, sustainable infrastructure and other.

Leveraging impact investments and diversified financing toolkit, including concessional loans, guarantees, grants, and blended finance, QFFD delivers scalable solutions that empower communities, strengthen resilience, and foster inclusive growth, while addressing both national priorities and global development challenges.

For more information, visit: www.qatarfund.org.qa

About UN-OHRLLS

The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) advocates for the special needs of the most vulnerable Member States of the United Nations. Through strategic advocacy, policy coordination, and capacity-building, the Office mobilizes international support and resources to ensure these countries are not left behind in global development efforts.

KEY LINKS

• Event Website: https://www.un.org/ohrlls/events/high-level-meeting-sustainable-graduation
• Doha Programme of Action: https://www.un.org/ldc5/sites/www.un.org.ldc5/files/doha_booklet-web.pdf

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow our meeting and related issues using hashtags: LDCs, #DPoA, #SustainableGraduation

• Facebook: UN-OHRLLS, Qatar Fund For Development
• X (formerly Twitter): @UNOHRLLS, USGRabab_UN, @qatar_fund
• Instagram: @unohrlls, @qatar_fund
• LinkedIn: UN-OHRLLS, Qatar Fund for Development

For more information, please contact:

• May Yaacoub | Head of Advocacy and Outreach, UN-OHRLLS | yaacoubm@un.org
• Sithembile Siziba | Information Officer, UN-OHRLLS | sithembile.siziba@un.org
• QFFD Media and Communications Department, QFFD | comms@qatarfund.org.qa