Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal informed the National Assembly that Nepal submitted a formal request to the United Nations on May 13, 2026, seeking a three-year extension of its transition out of Least Developed Country status. If granted, the graduation date would shift from 2026 to November 24, 2029.
Khanal cited economic instability, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, climate change vulnerabilities, and low productivity as the key reasons behind the request. LDC status provides countries with preferential trade terms and access to development financing, and an early exit could affect Nepal's eligibility for those benefits.