The Least Developed Countries Report 2022 explores LDC-specific development challenges as they pertain to low-carbon development and structural transformation.

The report contributes to unpacking the multifaceted linkages between climate change adaptation and sustainable development, highlighting potential mutually beneficial opportunities as well as potential trade-offs for which international support to LDCs is indispensable.

Although least developed countries (LDCs) have barely contributed to climate change, they are on the front lines of the climate crisis. Over the last 50 years, 69 per cent of worldwide deaths caused by climate-related disasters occurred in LDCs. Building resilience via a green structural transformation, and making growth sustainable by generating decent jobs, domestic savings, diversification of the economy and exports, and a shift away from dependence on primary commodities, is moving to the forefront of the national development agenda in LDCs.

LDCs represent the litmus test against which history will judge how effectively the efforts of the international community to make the low-carbon transition take into account the "development dimension" and reflect the principles of equity and differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. LDCs have set ambitious emission-reduction targets for themselves, committing to climate-resilient development pathways by 2030 and delivery on net-zero emissions by 2050.

They should be rewarded for their commitment by means of international assistance to LDCs. Yet, international support for LDC adaptation and sustainable development has so far fallen remarkably short of what is needed, both in terms of climate finance and access to environmentally-sound technologies.

Report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development