assistance, should be provided over a longer time-frame given the debt problems of some IDCs, weak institutional structures and low levels of human resource development. Interim assistance programmes for IDCs as well as terms and conditions of official development assistance need to be flexible given the special vulnerability of many of these countries. Assistance procedures should be simplified in recognition of the limited institutional capacity of almost all IDC Governments to handle heavy administrative burdens. 51. In response to the perspective that existing measures, particularly GNP per capita, are not necessarily appropriate yardsticks for the particular circumstances of many IDCs, efforts should be made to derive additional analyses for IDCs which would take account of their overall situation and their development potential. The donor community should also fully acknowledge and support the efforts of IDCs themselves to address the constraints they face. 52. Measures, taken at the national and international levels, to assist many IDCs will require continued analysis and monitoring of progress by UNCTAD in full co-operation and co-ordination with the appropriate international agencies, especially the relevant regional institutions. UNCTAD should also be requested to disseminate information on the particular problems faced by IDCs in the different regions. Among the studies which UNCTAD could be requested to undertake, particular consideration should be given to topics such as: - A periodic review of socio-economic performance of IDCs, highlighting the factors that have led to success and shortcomings; - Review of a ppropriate indicators of social and economic progress which take into account not only the level of GNP but also other factors that relate to the high vulnerability of IDCs; A/CONF.147/5 TD/B/AC.46/4 page 18 - The Implications of environmental questions such as global warming, sea-level rise and climate change; - Update of the transport situation, particularly shipping; - The role of migration; 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by IDCs (Least Developed Countries) in receiving and utilizing assistance, highlighting the need for flexible and tailored support. It also emphasizes the importance of monitoring and analyzing the progress of IDCs, considering factors such as their socio-economic performance, environmental concerns, and migration. These topics suggest that the category should be related to economic development and international cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade