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Ad Hoc Working Group on the Smooth Transition for countries graduating from the LDC category

Graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category opens new opportunities for countries, but it can also lead to the gradual phase-out of certain international support measures. Many Member States have therefore emphasized the importance of a stronger and more predictable framework to safeguard development gains during and after graduation. The Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (2022¨C2031) underscores this need, calling for enhanced monitoring, early action, and improved support tools, including the iGRAD facility.

In this context, the Â鶹APP General Assembly has established an open-ended ad hoc Working Group on Smooth Transition for Countries Graduating from the Least Developed Country Category. The Working Group is mandated to review and update existing UN smooth transition provisions to ensure that support for graduating and recently graduated LDCs remains effective, responsive, and aligned with current global development challenges.

Mandate

The General Assembly, in operative paragraph 48 of its resolution 80/150 of 15 December 2025, mandated the establishment of the working group, stating that the General Assembly:

"Takes note of the benefits of updating the existing General Assembly resolutions on smooth transition, and decides to establish, within existing resources, an open-ended ad hoc working group of Member States on the smooth transition for countries graduating from the category of least developed countries to carry out an inclusive and transparent process to review and update the existing resolutions on smooth transition and support to graduating least developed countries and recently graduated countries¡±.

Scope of Work

As mandated by General Assembly and according to its provisional terms of reference, the working group is expected to carry out a range of tasks to review and update the existing resolutions on smooth transition and support for graduating least developed countries and recently graduated countries. In this regard, its work may encompass, inter alia: 

(a) Conducting a comprehensive review of existing provisions, support measures, including those introduced under the Doha Programme of Action, such as the Sustainable Graduation Support Facility (iGRAD), and other areas with relevance to smooth transition;  

(b) Assessing the implications of graduation, particularly the impact of the loss of least developed country-specific international support measures, drawing on country experiences and existing assessments; 

(c) Identifying challenges faced by graduating countries and their development partners in designing, preparing and implementing smooth transition strategies; 

(d) Preparing a comprehensive report on the working group¡¯s discussions and recommendations, including elements for consideration for updating the existing resolutions on smooth transition. 

Participation

Member States and observers of the General Assembly, as well as representatives of specialized agencies and Â鶹APP entities, may participate in the work of the working group in accordance with relevant rules and procedures of the Assembly. The active participation of countries that have graduated recently or that have been recommended for graduation will be crucial.

Secretariat

The UN Office of the High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS (UN?OHRLLS) serves as the secretariat of the Working Group.

First Meeting: 25 March 2026 Organizational Session

Read the Summary Record of the AHWG 2026 ORG Session (25 March 2026).

Documentation