Nepal formally requested the United Nations on May 13, 2026, to extend its transition out of Least Developed Country (LDC) status by three years, pushing the graduation date from 2026 to November 24, 2029. The government cited economic instability, ongoing global conflicts, climate change vulnerabilities, and low productivity as grounds for the extension.
Graduation from LDC status affects a country's eligibility for preferential trade terms and development assistance. Nepal's request reflects concerns that an earlier transition could remove support mechanisms before the country has sufficiently strengthened its economy.