A major United Nations meeting in Doha has concluded with renewed momentum to support the world’s poorest nations in building long-term stability and economic resilience. Over three days, ministers, development partners and UN agencies focused on how Least Developed Countries (LDCs) can graduate from the LDC category—and crucially remain on a sustainable growth path once they do.
The discussions centered on the Doha Programme of Action (DPOA), which aims to help 15 additional countries achieve graduation by 2031. Many LDCs continue to face severe vulnerabilities including climate shocks, conflict, heavy debt burdens and trade instability, placing their development gains at risk without tailored global support.
Speaking at the closing session, Rabab Fatima, UN High Representative for LDCs, said the meeting demonstrated a unified commitment to ensuring that graduation becomes “a gateway to resilience, opportunity and sustainable prosperity.” She urged stronger international cooperation and concrete incentives to help countries move forward with confidence: “Let us leave Doha inspired and united.”
Countries preparing for graduation—including Bangladesh, Lao PDR and Nepal—shared experiences from their transition planning, while those already graduated discussed navigating the shift away from trade preferences and targeted international support. Participants emphasized the importance of national Smooth Transition Strategies that integrate realistic policy planning, productive capacity building and long-term development priorities.
The meeting also underscored the need to expand digital and green economies and enhance trade opportunities to strengthen resilience during global economic volatility.
A major announcement came with Qatar’s pledge of $10 million to support the iGRAD Facility, a mechanism designed to help countries manage the transition period and protect development gains. Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, praised the meeting for demonstrating “the power of collective action” to equip LDCs with the partnerships and resources needed to move forward.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Doha Agreed Statement on Global Partnerships for Sustainable Graduation, outlining principles for strengthened, incentive-based support. A full report of recommendations will be submitted to the UN General Assembly ahead of the 2027 midterm review of the DPOA.
With the world’s most vulnerable countries striving to move from fragility to opportunity, global leaders emphasized that collaboration must deepen—not diminish—once graduation is achieved.
