Survey of Organizations on the Application of the Least Developed Country Category
This content discusses the survey findings on the recognition and application of the Least Developed Country (LDC) category by organizations within the UN development system. It covers the history, mandate, methodology, consequences, recommendations, and the perspectives of different organizations regarding the LDC category.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Survey of Organizations of the UN Development System on the Application of the Least Developed Country Category CDP Plenary Session, March 2017
Overview Mandate and methodology Organizations that do not recognize the LDC category Organizations that do recognize the LDC category, and in what areas it is applied Recognition but non-application Consequences for non-application of LDC category and main messages Recommendations
CDP History reference Discussion on LDC category not new to CDP : LDC category created in 1971 by CDP The major purpose of constructing a list of countries classified as least developed is to give some guidance to donor agencies and countries about an equitable allocation of foreign assistance. [ ] Several [CDP] Members believe that while the list may have been useful 20 years ago, it is less useful today. Category used to allow access to special support measures such as trade preferences, technical assistance and aid Category allowed international community to focus on poorest countries in IG deliberations and commitments [CDP report 1991]
Mandate We invite the Committee for Development Policy to look into the reasons and consequences for the non- application of the least developed country category by some United Nations development system organizations and to include its findings on this matter in its annual report to the Economic and Social Council. (A/RES/70/294 , para 118) Methodology No clear definition of "United Nations development system Survey development and analysis by the CDP Secretariat Self declared recognition of LDC category
Non-recognition of LDC category International Monetary Fund Offers specific lending facilities for countries according to their level of income and access to international financial markets. Resources not earmarked to specific member countries. World Bank WB s International Development Association (IDA) focuses on the world s poorest countries based on income.
Recognition and application of LDC category All UNDS organizations surveyed recognize the LDC category Recognition mainly reflected in strategic planning documents Caps on LDC budget contributions Few UNDS organizations with percentage budget target allocation for LDCs, technical assistance TFs, and specific LDC programmes Travel support
Percentage of UNDS organizations surveyed that apply selected LDCs special measures 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Recognition of LDC Category LDC Priority recognized in strategic planning documents Priority recognized specifically for LDCs (not alongside other country groupings) Internal guidelines to allocate budget to LDCs Budget target allocation of org for LDCs LDC special rule for contribution to org budget LDC-specific Programe/ Trust Fund Yes No No*** NA LDCs Special Measures Source: CDP
LDC category recognized but not consistently applied LDC category not applied by some UNDS organizations LDCs priority blending with other country groupings Few LDC specific TFs and programmes Absence of guidelines in favor of LDCs for approval of CD projects Limited measures in support of smooth transition Lack of budget target expenditures for LDCs
Share of LDCs in country-specific expenditures by selected UNDS (2013) 100 90 80 70 LDC share (%) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 UNDS Year 2013 Data source: http://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/newfunct/qcpr_funding.shtml
Consequences of non-application of LDC category and ISMs Despite non-recognition of the LDC category, activities and funds disbursed to LDCs. However, some LDCs may be consistently left out as beneficiaries. As priority granted to LDCs often blended with other country groupings and not LDC specific, only few LDC focused programmes and TFs. No consistency in ISM application by UNDS organizations, and measures provided not always LDC specific. Absence of specific budget allocation targets by most UNDS organizations, and declining share of expenditure of UNDS organizations in LDCs. Inconsistent monitoring and reporting of expenditures in LDCs reduces the accountability of the UNDS organizations.
