The graduation is “testimony to years of effort resulting in hard-won sustainable development gains,” Guterres said in a message as Vanuatu became the sixth country yesterday (Friday) to achieve the milestone since the development categorization was created in 1971.
Vanuatu graduated despite severe setbacks due to accelerating climate change, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit remittances flowing back home hard, and the trade and tourism sector.
" I applaud Vanuatu's determination in the face of such adversity."
