Our Mandate
Photo: Two cyclists ride by a baobab tree in rural Northern Burkina Faso. UNOCHA/Giles Clarke.
The Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 through with detailed functions outlined by the Secretary-General’s .
The Office of the High Representative
- Assists the Secretary-General in mobilizing and coordinating the United Nations system, in the implementation, follow-up and monitoring of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries at the country, regional and global levels;
- Provides support to the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly in assessing progress and in conducting the annual review of the implementation of the Programme of Action;
- Supports the coordinated follow-up of the implementation of the programmes of action for Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States;
- Advocates in favour of the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States in partnership with the United Nations system as well as with: civil society, media, academia and foundations;
- Assists in mobilizing international support and resources for the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States;
- Supports group consultations of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Programmes of Action
Each group of countries — Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States — has its own Programme of Action which guides the development work of countries, states, their partners, UN-OHRLLS and our stakeholders. Every 10 years each Programme is reviewed to reflect current development trends and the goals of each group for the next decade.
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) represent the poorest and most vulnerable segment of the international community.
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face challenges due to their remoteness, lack of territorial access to the sea and significant distance from world markets.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are remote from world markets and suffer from climate change and fragile natural environments.
