AKP Phnom Penh, April 01, 2026 --

United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima, expressed optimism that Cambodia is on track to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.

She made the remarks during a courtesy call on Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on April 1.

During the meeting, H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima conveyed her deep appreciation to the Royal Government of Cambodia for hosting the “Asia-Pacific Ministerial Mid-term Review of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA).”

She also commended Cambodia’s rapid progress and praised the Kingdom for launching a development and heritage conservation plan.

The Under-Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Cambodia’s graduation process, noting that a dedicated UN task force has been established to assist in the transition.

She further highlighted that Cambodia has already met the criteria for graduation from the LDC category in two previous assessments and remains on track for graduation by 2029.

In response, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet thanked the United Nations for its longstanding contribution to Cambodia’s socio-economic reconstruction and development, and welcomed the establishment of the ad hoc task force.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Royal Government has taken concrete steps to strengthen national resilience through the Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1, which prioritises human capital development, reforms in education, health and vocational training, strengthening the financial system in line with global technological trends, and promoting public-private partnerships.

He added that Cambodia will continue to cooperate closely with the United Nations in peacekeeping operations and other frameworks.

By Heng Panha