ECOSOC recommends LDC graduation extension

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has recommended that the International — United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) take a final decision on requests by Bangladesh and Nepal for a three-year extension of their preparatory period before graduation from the Least developed countries (LDC) category. The recommendation was adopted by consensus at an ECOSOC meeting on July 21, 2026, following assessments by the International — Committee for Development Policy (CDP), which found it appropriate for UNGA to consider the extensions. Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, introduced the draft decision on behalf of both countries. The final decision must be made before November 24, 2026, the current scheduled graduation date. Bangladesh and Nepal have cited unprecedented political, macroeconomic, environmental, and external shocks as reasons for the extension. Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable graduation and necessary reforms.