Overview

As the decade draws to a close, it has become clear that the least developed countries (LDCs) have generally failed to derive appropriate benefits from the ongoing processes of liberalization and globalization. These processes have added new dimensions to the familiar supply-side constraints in LDCs as the latter attempt to adjust to the new, more competitive international environment. Whilst the 1980s were dubbed the “lost decade” for developing countries in general and LDCs in particular, the 1990s have become, for LDCs, the decade of increasing marginalization, inequality, poverty and social exclusion. The violence and social tensions which afflict several LDCs are caused, in part at least, by increasing deprivation and inequality.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Affordable and Clean Energy

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions