Population prospects and sustainable development in countries in special situations: An overview

The 110 countries or areas constituting the groups of least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS) face structural socioeconomic and environmental challenges in achieving sustainable development. Recently, these challenges have been exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, increased frequencies of environmental disasters, public health emergencies, conflicts and economic shocks. Most of these countries experience widespread poverty, hunger and malnutrition, along with limited economic diversification, a lack of social protection and low human capital due to inadequate access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. Additionally, LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS are especially vulnerable to and disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of climate change, environmental degradation and other disasters (United Nations, 2023c). Profound socioeconomic transformation will be crucial to address these challenges and increase the resilience and adaptative capacities of these vulnerable countries in the face of various socioeconomic and environmental shocks.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Zero Hunger

Decent Work and Economic Growth