The majority of central banks kept their policy rates unchanged in the first quarter of 2024, closely watching the decisions of the United States Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.

While blended finance can be an option to support post COVID-19 recovery efforts, a new approach to blended finance is necessary to improve its impact.

Many MICs require international support to address current and long-term challenges. Eligibility criteria that rely only on income per capita limit available support – including access to concessional finance – without accounting for MICs’ multidimensional development needs.

This new edition contains updates to LDC criteria and procedures and new information on “smooth transition” provisions for countries graduating from the LDC category and is available in English

The Development Policy Branch (DPB) is responsible for managing all capacity development activities of the Division, providing assistance through research, training and workshops.

The Development Research Branch (DRB) is in charge of economic and social research into fundamental development issues and trends and formulates advice for the United Nations development agenda.

The Global Economic Monitoring Branch (GEMB) monitors global economic trends and contributes to UN reports, briefings and notes in the area of macroeconomic analysis.

The CDP provides independent advise on issues critical to the international development agenda and is responsible for the review of the LDC category.