Additional time required for LDC graduation: Humaiun Kobir

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir yesterday (24 September) said for graduating LDCs, additional time is essential for macroeconomic stability, smooth transition strategies and critical reforms.

"For Bangladesh, an extended preparatory period will support a smooth, sustainable and irreversible graduation and a resilient post-graduation economy," he said while speaking at the annual ministerial meeting of Foreign Ministers of LDCs held in New York.

Kobir said they seek the Group's continued support as their request is considered by the General Assembly.

Looking ahead to the midterm review, the state minister proposed six priorities.

First, close the financing gap by reversing the decline in ODA, meeting commitments, expanding concessional and innovative financing, and strengthening FDI.

Second, enhance LDC trade through greater market access, transparent rules of origin and stronger trade facilitation.

Third, ensure predictable and accessible climate finance for LDCs, including adaptation and loss and damage.

Fourth, strengthen international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and recover stolen assets.

Fifth, support structural transformation through productive capacity, industrialisation, technology transfer, value addition and digital inclusion.

Finally, strengthen partnerships through UN80 and wider multilateral reforms to make the system more responsive to LDCs.

Kobir appreciated Nepal's leadership as LDC Chair.

"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 thanked the UN USG Rabab Fatima for her continued focus on addressing 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.

He said Bangladesh joined the meeting with a renewed mandate following the February 2026 election. "Our 3R Strategy - Recovery, Restoration and Reconstruction - aims to lay the foundation for sustainable development."

The global landscape has changed significantly since the Doha Programme of Action was adopted. Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, debt distress, declining ODA, food and energy insecurity and climate crisis are testing our resilience.

LDC growth remains below the 7% target, projected at 4.6% in 2026 and 5% in 2027.

"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.

He also reaffirmed support for Awaza Programme of Action and Second World Summit for Social Development outcomes.