The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the request was submitted to the Chair of the UN Committee for Development Policy in May 2026, citing economic impacts, global instability, and other factors as justification for extending Nepal's LDC status from November 2026 to November 2029. The announcement was made public on July 5, 2026.
Nepal is currently serving as President of the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2025–2026 term, described as a historic first for the country. In June 2026, Nepal's Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, also emphasized the need to strengthen the UN development system to address challenges beyond 2030.