*** THE LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES - (LDCs) ***


	The LDCs are defined as low-income countries that are suffering from long-
term handicaps to growth, in particular low levels of human resource development 
and/or severe structural weaknesses.

	In 1971, the international community recognised the existence of a category 
of countries whose distinctness lies in the profound poverty of their people and 
in the weakness of their economic, institutional and human resources, often 
compounded by geophysical handicaps. Currently, there are 47 countries 
identified as Least Developed Countries. These countries are particularly ill-
equipped to develop their domestic economies which are so vulnerable to external 
shocks or natural disasters. Thus, the group represents the weakest segment of 
humanity and presents a major challenge to its development partners

	The United Nations General Assembly decides which countries are included in 
(or graduate from) the list of LDCs under the recommendation of ECOSOC.

	In accordance with resolution 26 of the Nice Plenipotentiary Conference 
(1989), the ITU has an annual programme for assistance to LDCs amounting to SF 2 
million. Assistance is provided in 4 priority areas, namely management, human 
resource development, maintenance, and planning. Assistance for short-term 
consultancies, fellowships, etc. may be requested in writing to the Director of 
the Telecommunication Development Bureau, through the official channels.