The Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), participated in a high-level global meeting on Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation.
The three-day meeting concluded in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday 4 December 2025.
MNPDC’s Director of Development Cooperation Division, Mr Samuel Wara, represented Solomon Islands at the meeting.
The meeting was co-organized by the State of Qatar through Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and the United Nations Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).
The meeting brought together ministers and senior officials from graduating and graduated LDCs, development partners, UN agencies, international financial institutions and regional development banks to strengthen global partnerships for a smooth, resilient and sustainable transition out of LDC status.
Held under the theme “Forging Ambitious Global Partnerships for Sustainable and Resilient Graduation of Least Developed Countries,” the meeting forms part of the Doha Programme of Action, which aims to support the graduation of 15 LDCs by 2031.
Mr Wara said the meeting was timely as Solomon Islands prepares to graduate from LDC status by the end of 2027.
Discussions provided practical guidance on managing the transition while sustaining development progress.
Key challenges discussed included climate vulnerability, weak global economic conditions and declining access to concessional finance, alongside lessons from countries that have successfully graduated.
The meeting emphasised the importance of strong partnerships among governments, development partners, international financial institutions, regional banks and the private sector, as well as the need for gradual transition arrangements, continued trade support and increased financing for climate resilience.
It also highlighted the importance of a robust Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) aligned with national development plans and budgets.
Mr Wara noted that Solomon Islands’ STS is embedded within the National Development Strategy 2016–2035 and will continue to be refined to support the country’s transition.
He added that close coordination among MNPDC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury remains critical, and that the meeting outcomes reaffirmed the need for continued engagement with development partners to ensure a smooth and resilient graduation from LDC status.
