Ambitious in nature, the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (IPoA) adopted by the Fourth United Nations Conference on LDCS (LDC IV) in 2011 set out a development path for LDCs for the coming decade. To successfully implement the IPoA requires the identification of delivery tools for specific targets, the provision of necessary financial and non-financial resources, and a strengthened monitoring mechanism.LCD IV Monitor, an independent partnership of eight interested organizations, adds value to the official monitoring and review mechanism of the IPoA. This, their first biennial report, has been produced outside of the official intergovernmental process and provides a credible, evidence-based and policy-oriented assessment of the delivery status of the promises contained in the IPoA. It enhances transparency, promotes accountability, and fosters efficiency in the implementation of the IPoA leading towards the graduation of the LDCs.