By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – World body on Monday praised São Tomé and Príncipe on its official graduation from the Least Developed Countries category.
The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States said the milestone “marks a significant achievement in the country’s development journey and reflects its sustained efforts to achieve robust economic growth, enhance human development, and improve resilience against vulnerabilities.”
OHRLLS in a statement stated that the graduation underscored the international community’s collective push to support LDCs overall and is “the result of years of strategic planning, effective policymaking, and international partnerships”.
UN Committee for Development Policy recommended the country’s graduation after it met the necessary criteria based on per capita income, human assets, and economic and environmental vulnerability indices.
It noted the accomplishments include the increase in universal health coverage from 47 per cent in 2010 to 59 per cent by 2021 and being ranked 11th among 54 African nations in the 2021 Ibrahim Index of African Governance.
“The graduation of São Tomé and Príncipe is a historic milestone that underscores the resilience, vision, and determination of its government and people,” said Rabab Fatima, High Representative for OHRLLS.
“This achievement is a powerful testament to the impact of effective partnership and multilateral cooperation, offering both a model and an inspiration for other LDCs working to overcome structural challenges and achieve sustainable development,” it concluded.
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