UN Conference Spotlights New Era of Cooperation for Landlocked Developing Countries
Ashgabat,Turkmenistan – August 5,2024 – The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened today in Awaza,Turkmenistan,marking a pivotal moment for the 32 nations facing unique and significant developmental hurdles. The conference, convened against a backdrop of increasing global challenges and strains on multilateralism, is fostering a renewed spirit of partnership and a commitment to addressing the specific needs of these vulnerable states. This report provides a thorough overview of the key themes, commitments, and outcomes emerging from the opening day of LLDC3.
A Shift Towards Regional Solidarity & Multilateralism
UN secretary-General António guterres,speaking to reporters following the opening ceremony,underscored the significance of the conference as a presentation of a burgeoning era of cooperation within Central Asia. He highlighted a foundation built on mutual trust, shared priorities, and strengthening regional solidarity – a critical development at a time when global cooperation is increasingly tested. “At a time when multilateral cooperation is being tested, this spirit of partnership is more essential than ever,” Guterres stated, emphasizing the importance of collective action to overcome shared challenges.the conference’s opening was formally welcomed by Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who detailed national initiatives focused on bolstering international collaboration in crucial areas like healthcare, climate action, and environmental protection. President Berdimuhamedov also brought attention to the pressing regional environmental concerns impacting LLDCs, specifically the ongoing ecological crisis of the Aral Sea and the declining water levels in the Caspian sea – the world’s largest enclosed body of water and the host location for LLDC3. These issues underscore the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and the developmental prospects of landlocked nations.
Renewed Commitment to the 2030 Agenda & Foundational UN principles
UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang, in his address, issued a strong call for decisive action to meet the rapidly approaching deadline for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Enduring Development. He stressed the need for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and the core values enshrined in the UN Charter – peace, development, and human dignity. Yang powerfully articulated that all efforts must prioritize the principle of leaving no one behind, a cornerstone of the sustainable development framework.He specifically highlighted the vulnerabilities of LLDCs to climate change and the structural obstacles they face, asserting that these nations “must never lack access to possibility, prosperity, or hope.” Yang’s remarks emphasized the critical need for international solidarity, substantial infrastructure investment, and the practical implementation of freedom of transit – a fundamental requirement for LLDCs to participate fully in global trade.In a significant symbolic gesture, the General Assembly formally proclaimed August 6th as the International Day of Awareness on Landlocked Developing Countries, to be observed annually, further solidifying the international community’s focus on these nations. Yang affirmed the general Assembly’s ongoing role as a global platform supporting LLDCs, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the Awaza Program of Action and preparing for its high-level review in 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 32 landlocked nations striving to overcome deeply ingrained structural barriers to development. Speaking from the outlook of a leader from Nepal – a nation itself both landlocked and least developed – Thapa emphasized the need for the Awaza Programme of Action to serve as a “bold, aspiring, actionable, and future-oriented blueprint” to transform vulnerability into opportunity for the over 570 million people residing in lldcs.
thapa underscored the urgency of addressing the escalating complexity and scale of challenges facing LLDCs, including mounting debt distress, the disproportionate impacts of climate change, and persistent infrastructure gaps.He advocated for the establishment of a dedicated infrastructure investment facility for LLDCs, alongside a significant increase in climate finance, expanded concessional resources, and accelerated technology transfer. Recognizing the importance of collaborative solutions, Thapa stressed the vital role of regional cooperation and sustainable transport networks. He commended Turkmenistan’s leadership in hosting the conference and reaffirmed ECOSOC’s unwavering commitment to advancing the Awaza Programme of Action, pledging to integrate LLDC priorities – including food security, youth empowerment, and climate resilience – across all ECOSOC discussions and processes.
Looking Ahead: Roundtables and Focused Discussions
LLDC3 continues tomorrow, Wednesday, August 6th, with a series of roundtables and events focusing on critical topics such as connectivity and transport infrastructure,