The United Nations General Assembly officially approved, in a note signed on December 19, the removal of Senegal and Cambodia from the list of least developed countries (LDCs).
This decision is based on the recommendations of the Development Policy Committee and validated by the Economic and Social Council in June 2024. It also marks a major step in the development journey of these two countries.
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In accordance with the adopted resolution, a five-year preparatory period was granted to Senegal and Cambodia to ensure a smooth transition. During this phase, the two countries will have to develop a national strategy aimed at maintaining and accelerating their socio-economic progress while avoiding any setback in their development gains, according to a note made public by the United Nations.
This transition will be supported by UN agencies and the bilateral and multilateral partners of the two nations. The aim is to ensure that graduation from the LDC category does not lead to reduced access to concessional finance or increased vulnerability to global challenges, such as climate change and economic shocks.
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A country’s graduation from the LDC list is an indicator of progress toward long-term development goals. However, the General Assembly highlighted the persistent challenges that developing countries continue to face, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts and the impacts of climate change. These factors have a disproportionate impact on LDCs, sometimes threatening their gains.
Senegal and Cambodia, invited to design smooth transition plans, will also have to collaborate with their commercial and institutional partners to consolidate their economic and social resilience. This will include efforts to diversify their economies, strengthen institutional capacities and promote inclusive policies.
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