Six priorities for post-graduation resilience
Bangladesh has called for additional time to prepare for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, arguing that an extended preparatory period is essential to maintain macroeconomic stability, complete critical reforms and ensure a smooth and sustainable transition to a post-graduation economy.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir made the call on Thursday at the annual ministerial meeting of LDC foreign ministers in New York, urging continued support from the LDC Group as Bangladesh’s request is considered by the UN General Assembly.
“For Bangladesh, an extended preparatory period will support a smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation and a resilient post-graduation economy,” Kobir said.
Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, debt distress, declining official development assistance (ODA), food and energy insecurity and the climate crisis, he said developing countries faced increasingly complex challenges in sustaining economic resilience.
Kobir said the global economic landscape had changed significantly since the adoption of the Doha Programme of Action, while LDC growth remained below the target of 7 per cent. Growth among LDCs is projected at 4.6 per cent in 2026 and 5 per cent in 2027, he said.
Six priorities
Looking ahead to the mid-term review of the Doha Programme of Action, Kobir outlined six areas requiring greater international attention.
First, he called for the financing gap facing LDCs to be narrowed by reversing the decline in ODA, honouring existing commitments, expanding concessional and innovative financing and strengthening foreign direct investment.
Second, he urged greater support for LDC trade through improved market access, transparent rules of origin and stronger trade facilitation.
Third, he called for predictable and accessible climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage.
Fourth, Kobir stressed the need for stronger international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and facilitate the recovery of stolen assets.
Fifth, he called for greater support for structural transformation through productive capacity-building, industrialisation, technology transfer, value addition and digital inclusion.
Finally, he advocated stronger partnerships through UN80 and wider multilateral reforms to make the international system more responsive to the needs of LDCs.
Bangladesh’s 3R strategy
Kobir said Bangladesh attended the meeting with a renewed mandate following the February 2026 national election, and was pursuing a 3R Strategy – Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction – to lay the foundations for sustainable development.
He said Bangladesh was seeking the LDC Group’s continued support as the country’s request for an extended preparatory period is considered by the General Assembly.
“Accordingly, we call for progress on Online University, Food Stockholding Mechanism, Sustainable Graduation Support Facility, International Investment Support Centre and Resilience Building Mechanism,” Kobir said.
These initiatives, he indicated, would be important in strengthening the capacity of LDCs to withstand economic and climate-related shocks while advancing their development objectives.
Support for LDC leadership
Kobir praised Nepal’s leadership as chair of the LDC Group and expressed condolences and solidarity following the country’s recent natural disaster.
“We reiterate our deepest condolences to Nepal and express our solidarity in its recovery efforts in the aftermath of the recent natural disaster,” he said. “We further welcome The Gambia as the incoming Chair.”
He also thanked UN Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima for her continued focus on the needs and concerns of LDCs and countries in transition.
“We wish her every success in her future endeavours as the Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan,” Kobir said.
Bangladesh also reaffirmed its support for the Awaza Programme of Action and the outcomes of the Second World Summit for Social Development.
Kobir’s intervention placed Bangladesh’s LDC transition within a broader call for stronger economic diplomacy, greater access to development finance, expanded trade opportunities and deeper international cooperation to help vulnerable economies build resilience beyond graduation.
