13 June 2012: The UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) has announced that Samoa will be graduating from the status of least developed country (LDC), to developing country in January 2014.

According to OHRLLS, Samoa will join a small group of countries who have made the jump to developing country status. Samoa’s new status means it will be eligible for less aid and will forfeit other international concessions. According to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele, Samoa plans to continue exercising “prudent management” of monetary and economic policies, as well as structural reforms. Sailele also underscored the persistent threat of posed by climate change, and the subsequent ongoing need for international assistance. [UN-OHRLLS Press Release]