Papers are called for the November 2024 issue of the Asia Pacific Sustainable Development Journal (APSDJ, Vol. 31, No. 2) under the theme “Structural Transformation of the LDCs – Recent Developments and New Challenges”.
The issue will be guest-edited by Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Policy Dialogue, Dhaka and Member, United Nations Committee for Development Policy (UN CDP).
Authors interested in contributing are encouraged to express their interest with an abstract by 16th February 2024 and submit their papers by 31 May 2024 to the Guest Editor via email ([email protected]; [email protected]) with a copy to the Managing Editor, Professor Anis Chowdhury ([email protected]).
Submissions from authors in the Asia-Pacific Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are encouraged.
In preparing their papers, authors should follow APSDJ submission guidelines for authors, available at: https://www.unescap.org/knowledge-products-series/asia-pacific-sustainable-development-journal. Please note:
- Papers should not exceed 8,000 words, including the footnotes, references, etc.
- Abstract should not exceed 100 words
- Paper should include 4 to 5 keywords and JEL classification codes
All papers will be peer-reviewed, following APSDJ’s editorial policy.
Background
Changing Landscape of LDCs. There are currently 45 least-developed countries (LDCs) worldwide. Since the creation of this category in 1971, only seven countries have successfully graduated out of the group. Notably, the period following the Istanbul Programme of Action (2011-2020) has witnessed an increasing number of LDCs becoming eligible for graduation. The Global Programme of Action (2021-30) also expresses high hopes for LDC graduation.
Nevertheless, a discernible slowdown has recently emerged, attributed to the persistent global polycrisis. This trend is underpinned by the structural weaknesses of this group of countries, prompting the need for a closer examination to formulate effective policy responses in the respective countries.
Visible Changes in the Asia Pacific. Presently, the Asia-Pacific region encompasses 11 LDCs, including three small island developing states (SIDS) and four landlocked LDCs (LLDCs).
Significant strides have been made in this Asia Pacific (AP) region, as demonstrated by Bhutan's successful graduation in December 2023. Looking forward, three additional LDCs within the region—Bangladesh, Lao PDR, and Nepal—are set to graduate in 2026.
However, the region faces challenges, with several LDCs, including Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands, deferring or postponing their graduation. A profound understanding of the dynamics behind these changes is pivotal in order to formulate sustainable development strategies.
Emerging Trends – Structural Vulnerabilities and Lack of Domestic Reforms. The post-pandemic global polycrisis has laid bare the structural vulnerabilities of the LDCs. Particularly, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the Asia Pacific LDCs face disproportionate economic stress due to their heavy reliance on tourism, remote locations, high merchandise export concentration, a large population in low elevated coastal zones, and a low share of agriculture in GDP. These factors contribute to their failure to meet the Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI) criteria, emphasising the need for targeted interventions.
Indeed, leaving the LDC group does not mean that these countries have ---- a process of structural transformation of their economies. Accordingly, smooth and sustainable graduation should entail inter-sectoral and intra-sectoral economic diversification driven by productivity enhancement leading to higher competitiveness of the economies.
Need for Fresh Empirical and Analytical Perspectives. Given the evolving dynamics of the LDCs and the current global challenges, there is a critical need for new empirical and analytical perspectives. This entails a comprehensive examination of the shifting economic, social, and political landscapes of the countries to inform more effective policy responses and development strategies.
Special Issue of APSDJ – Original Papers. To address the identified gaps and foster a deeper understanding of LDC dynamics, APSDJ's special issue for November 2024 will feature original papers. These contributions will delve into nuanced analyses, providing valuable insights into the complex issues surrounding LDCs, their structural challenges, and potential pathways for sustainable development.
Possible Themes
Possible themes for the papers may include, but are not limited to:
- State of the LDCs – A Comprehensive Overview (Global Perspective with an Emphasis on Asia-Pacific LDCs)
- Footprints of the COVID Pandemic and Resilience of LDCs
- Implications of the Global Poly-Crisis for LDCs (Short to Medium-term Prospects, beyond item-i) – Fiscal space, inflation, pressure on foreign exchange reserves, debt distress
- Structural transformation of the LDC economies – Competitiveness and export promotion 2.0 (beyond diversification and other traditional market access issues)
- Structural transformation of the LDC economies – Agriculture development (with a particular focus on productivity growth)
- Structural transformation of the LDC economies – Technology transfer, innovation and intellectual property inputs
- New dimensions of human development challenges of the LDCs (quality issues, gender disparity and digital access)
- Debt stress in the LDCs and the initiatives
- Profile of graduating LDCs and the prospect of a smooth/sustainable transition
- LDCs (the "residual" - SIDS and countries in conflict)
These thematic issues aim to delve deeper into the multifaceted challenges faced by LDCs, providing a comprehensive understanding and contributing to sustainable development strategies.
The journal is expected to be released by 15 November 2024.
