19 May 2017 (Room XXVI) - The process and consequences of graduation from the least developed country category
This course will discuss graduation, i.e., the process by which least developed countries (LDCs) cease to be members of the LDC category, in recognition of their advances in development. In principle, graduation marks a shift from dependence to a greater degree of self-sufficiency and an emergence from development traps that beset LDCs. However, upon graduation, the loss of access to international support measures tied to LDC status may lead to important economic costs. In the 45 years since the establishment of the category, only four countries have graduated. Projections indicate that the target that at least half of the LDCs meet the criteria for graduation by 2020 is unlikely to be met. UNCTAD suggests that graduation should be viewed as part of a longer and broader development process, and emphasizes the need for graduation with momentum.