Least Developed Countries

My thoughts and best wishes are with all of you. 

A tsunami called COVID-19 is hitting us. We are in the throes of a virus that knows no borders,  and travels on land and sea at lightning speeds.  
The disruption and the suffering are everywhere. And for now, we live with them everywhere.  

Excellencies, 
Colleagues, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

I appreciate being able to join you at this very important workshop on capacity building, resources and needs assessment. The Seabeds are our common resource frontier. 

Excellencies, 
Distinguished delegates, 
Ladies and gentlemen, 

First, I wish to congratulate IRENA for the leadership and vision you show in and for the renewable energy sector. 

Graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category is a key milestone in the sustainable development progress of a country and requires support from all its stakeholders.

This publication gives a succinct but comprehensive overview of the graduation process for LDCs, including graduation criteria and steps. It also provides additional sources of information and support.

The 2022 version of the Guide to LDC Graduation is forthcoming.

HONIARA, 22 October 2019 – On 17-18 October, the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Least Developed Country Graduation, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, held a 2-day workshop to kickstart the process of preparing for a smooth graduation from Least Developed Country Status.

This followed the decision by the UN General Assembly to grant the Solomon Islands an extended preparation period for graduation having met the necessary criteria in 2018; with formal graduation now due to occur end of 2024.

This empirical study examines the economic impact of fixed and mobile broadband in the least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). These 91 most vulnerable countries have to date been largely neglected in studies of this kind, yet broadband technology offers potential for a step change in their economic and social development. A growing body of evidence indicates that broadband Internet, and information and communication technologies (ICT) in general, promote economic development.

LILONGWE, 9 October 2019 – Malawi, a least developed country (LDC), has an opportunity to achieve 100% access to electricity by 2030 according to the Malawi Sustainable Energy Study launched today in the country’s capital.

NEW YORK – 27 September, 2019: The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) have today underscored their commitment to strengthen cooperation aimed at advancing renewable energy in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).