A major UN meeting in Doha wrapped up on Thursday with a renewed drive to help the world's poorest countries move towards long-term stability and prosperity, as senior officials urged stronger global partnerships to ensure that development gains are not lost once States exit the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
Over three days, ministers, development partners and international agencies met to explore how LDCs can "graduate" successfully - meaning they have reached levels of income, education and resilience that lift them out of the UN's most vulnerable grouping - and, crucially, stay out.
The meeting focused on the Doha Programme of Action (DPOA), which aims to help 15 more countries reach graduation by 2031.
Many LDCs remain highly exposed to climate shocks, conflict, debt pressures and trade disruptions. Without tailored support, experts warn that progress can quickly unravel.
Speaking at the closing session, Rabab Fatima, UN High Representative for LDCs, said the gathering had shown "a strong collective will to ensure that graduation becomes a gateway to resilience, opportunity and sustainable prosperity."
"Let us leave Doha inspired and united," she said, calling for deeper cooperation and "real incentives that help every country advance with the full support of the global community."
Learning from experience
Countries preparing to graduate - including Bangladesh, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Nepal - shared lessons from their own transition plans, while States that have already graduated discussed how to manage the shift away from preferential trade benefits and other forms of targeted international assistance.
A recurring theme was the importance of Smooth Transition Strategies, national plans that help governments adjust to the phase-out of LDC-specific support.
Delegates stressed that these strategies must be realistic, nationally driven and fully embedded in long-term development planning.
The meeting also highlighted the need to build productive capacity, especially through digital and green transitions, and to expand trade opportunities for economies facing volatile global conditions.
New boost for support facility
A central element of the discussions was the iGRAD Facility, a mechanism designed to help LDCs navigate the transition period. Qatar announced a $10 million pledge to strengthen the facility, drawing praise from participants.
Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, said his country was committed to turning the DPOA "into measurable progress for Least Developed Countries."
The meeting, he added, had shown "the power of collective action" and the importance of providing LDCs with "the tools, resources and partnerships they need to navigate the transition with confidence."
Next steps
The conference concluded with the Doha Agreed Statement on Global Partnerships for Sustainable Graduation, which sets out principles for a stronger, incentive-based approach to supporting graduating countries.
A full summary of recommendations will be published by OHRLLS and sent to the UN General Assembly ahead of key discussions in 2027, when the DPOA undergoes its midterm review.
