Oct 30, Kathmandu - The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously approved Nepal’s request to delay its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category by three years, moving the target date from November 2026 to November 2029.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel announced the decision at a regular press briefing on Friday. He said the extension would give Nepal additional time to prepare and help ensure a smoother, more sustainable transition.

Poudel also said preparations are underway for Nepal’s high-level participation at the COP31 climate conference, scheduled to take place in Türkiye from November 9 to 20. Nepal and the Republic of Korea are expected to sign a framework agreement on climate cooperation. Nepal is also planning a special side event with other mountain countries focused on climate change and mountain-related issues.

On the prime minister’s proposed visit to India, Poudel said preparations were progressing in consultation with both sides, but no date has yet been set.