Introduction

When a country has met the criteria for graduation for the first time, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is mandated to prepare a vulnerability profile of the country to be considered by the Committee for Development Policy (CDP) at its triennial review of the least developed countries category (General Assembly resolution 59/209 of 20 December 2004; paragraph 3 (b) (United Nations, 2005). The vulnerability profiles are aimed at assisting the qualifying countries to formulate strategies for graduation with momentum to increase their chances of achieving structural, social, and economic progress towards and beyond graduation from the least developed countries (LDCs) category. For UNCTAD, this involves the provision of country-specific analytical material on the implications of graduation. This encompasses a comprehensive vulnerability assessment based on relevant and up to date information about the country; providing relevant advisory services to policymakers; policy dialogues with relevant stakeholders in the country; and assisting the country in preparing a smooth transition strategy for the global landscape they will enter after graduation.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure