Least Developed Countries in Shipping Regulation
Least developed countries (LDCs) in IMO instruments: the UN list, graduation dates, and the LDC provisions of the draft IMO Net-Zero Framework and its Fund.
Least developed countries (LDCs) are the UN category of low-income countries facing severe structural impediments. UN-OHRLLS lists 44 LDCs. Countries leave the list by graduation: Bhutan graduated in 2023 and Sao Tome and Principe in 2024, and the UN LDC Portal lists Bangladesh, Lao PDR and Nepal for 2026.
The draft IMO Net-Zero Framework gives LDCs particular attention in regulation 41.1.2 and representation on the Fund’s Governing Board under regulation 40.5. The full article will cover the list, graduation and LDC treatment in IMO instruments.