UN Conference Focuses on bridging Geographic Divides for landlocked Developing countries
Awaza, Turkmenistan – The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened today in Awaza, Turkmenistan, marking a critical juncture for the 32 nations facing unique and important hurdles to sustainable progress. the conference,convened under the theme of “Transforming Connectivity for Prosperity,” underscores a renewed global commitment to addressing the systemic disadvantages faced by these countries and fostering a future where geography is a bridge,not a barrier,to progress.
Secretary-General António Guterres, in his opening remarks, powerfully articulated the core challenge: “landlocked developing countries face disproportionately high trade costs, limited access to global markets, and increased vulnerability to economic shocks.” He emphasized that overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted, multi-faceted approach, stating, “We have the knowledge, and we have the tools… Together, we can transform geography from a barrier to a bridge – connecting not just markets, but the peoples and cultures that give meaning to development.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition within the UN system of the need for tailored solutions and a departure from “one-size-fits-all” development strategies.
A New Era of Regional Cooperation in central Asia
The conference’s location in Turkmenistan is particularly symbolic, reflecting a burgeoning spirit of cooperation within Central Asia. Mr. Guterres highlighted this shift, noting that the conference embodies “a new era of cooperation… grounded in mutual trust, shared priorities, and growing regional solidarity.” At a time when global multilateralism is facing headwinds, this regional momentum offers a vital example of how collaborative partnerships can drive tangible results.
“At a time when multilateral cooperation is being tested,this spirit of partnership is more essential than ever,” Guterres stressed,underscoring the urgency of collective action.
Addressing Regional and Global challenges
The opening session saw strong support from regional leaders, with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlining national initiatives focused on bolstering international cooperation in critical areas like healthcare, climate action, and environmental protection. President Berdimuhamedov also brought attention to pressing regional environmental concerns, specifically the alarming degradation of the Aral Sea and declining water levels in the Caspian Sea – issues that directly impact the livelihoods and long-term sustainability of the region. The choice of the Caspian Sea as the backdrop for LLDC3 is a deliberate acknowledgement of these interconnected challenges.UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang echoed the call for decisive action, emphasizing the rapidly approaching 2030 Agenda deadline and the need for a renewed commitment to the foundational principles of the UN charter: peace, development, and human dignity. He powerfully stated that LLDCs “must never lack access to prospect, prosperity, or hope,” advocating for international solidarity, considerable infrastructure investment, and the guaranteed freedom of transit - a basic right often hindered for landlocked nations.
In a landmark decision, the General Assembly has officially proclaimed August 6th as the International Day of Awareness on Landlocked Developing Countries, a testament to the growing global recognition of their unique needs and challenges.this annual observance will serve as a crucial platform for continued advocacy and monitoring of the Awaza Program of Action, with a high-level review scheduled for 2029.
From Vulnerability to Opportunity: The Awaza Programme of Action
Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), framed LLDC3 as a “pivotal moment” for the 570 million people residing in landlocked developing countries. Speaking from the perspective of a nation intimately familiar with these challenges – Nepal is both landlocked and least developed – Mr. Thapa emphasized the need for the Awaza Programme of Action to be a “bold, ambitious, actionable, and future-oriented blueprint” for transforming vulnerability into opportunity.He underscored the escalating complexity of the challenges facing LLDCs, including mounting debt distress, the disproportionate impacts of climate change, and persistent infrastructure gaps.Mr. Thapa issued a compelling call for the establishment of a dedicated infrastructure investment facility for LLDCs, alongside increased climate finance, more concessional lending terms, and accelerated technology transfer.
Furthermore, he stressed the critical importance of regional cooperation and the development of sustainable transport networks. He lauded Turkmenistan’s leadership in hosting the conference and reaffirmed ECOSOC’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Awaza Programme of Action, integrating LLDC priorities – such as food security, youth empowerment, and climate resilience – into all relevant discussions and processes.
Looking Ahead: Connectivity, Cooperation, and a Sustainable Future
LLDC3 will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, August 6th, with a series of roundtables and events focusing on key areas including
