The Asia-Pacific least developed countries (LDCs) have faced significant challenges in sustaining economic stability due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and global economic trends. The pandemic reversed previous gains in poverty reduction, leading to widespread school closure and a long-term impact on student enrolment. Concurrently, climate change has increasingly threatened livelihoods, health, and well-being. These countries have also grappled with escalating external debt and rising debt service obligations. The economic turmoil manifested in reduced export earnings, decreased private remittances, disrupted supply chains, and heightened inflation due to soaring import costs.

The graduation process from the LDC status in the Asia-Pacific region faces uncertainty due to the convergence of unprecedented economic crises and global challenges. Nevertheless, significant strides have been made since 2011, resulting in the graduation of Maldives, Samoa and Vanuatu by 2020. Bhutan successfully graduated in 2023. Looking ahead, Bangladesh, Lao PDR, and Nepal are on track for graduation in 2026, with the Solomon Islands following in 2027. Cambodia reached its graduation threshold in 2021, while Kiribati and Tuvalu are set for reconsideration in 2024. The Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has deferred decisions on Myanmar and Timor-Leste to 2024. Under the DPoA period, a global ambitious target is to graduate an additional 15 LDCs by 2031.

This paper provides a preliminary overview of the status regarding the implementation of the DPoA in LDCs, based on data available as of the end of 2023. It assesses the progress made by the LDCs and their development partners towards achieving the goals and targets set forth in the DPoA, based on the latest available data and information. Additionally, the report identifies key challenges and obstacles that have hindered the effective implementation of the DPoA in these countries and proposes recommendations to address these obstacles and accelerate progress towards the successful realization of the DPoA’ s objectives.