Awaza: Breaking down barriers and restoring fairness in global development should be the goal of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Secretary-General António Guterres said at its opening in Awaza, Turkmenistan. Urging global leaders to rethink development for landlocked nations, the UN chief declared: “We gather today to reaffirm a fundamental truth: geography should never define destiny.”
According to UN Development Programme, of the 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) worldwide, 16 are in Africa, 10 in Asia, four in Europe, and two in Latin America. Together, they are home to over 500 million people.
UN Secretary-General Guterres outlined four priorities for progress. First, economic diversification and digital transformation, emphasizing investment in value-added industries and bridging the digital divide. Second, trade, transit, and regional connectivity, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and integrating LLDCs into global value chains. Third, climate action and resilience, advocating for increased adaptation finance and support for green transitions. Finally, financing and partnerships, calling for reformed financial systems and rapid climate investment.
The task before the conference, known as LLDC3 and running in Awaza through Friday, is to find solutions to these challenges. LLDC3 aims to launch a decade of ambition through the Awaza Programme of Action, adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024.
The success of landlocked developing countries is essential to the success of the 2030 Agenda, Mr. Guterres stressed. He emphasized the potential to transform geography from a barrier to a bridge, connecting markets, peoples, and cultures. He also highlighted the spirit of partnership emerging across Central Asia, emphasizing its importance in a time of tested multilateral cooperation.
The session began with a welcome from Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who highlighted national initiatives in healthcare, climate action, and environmental protection. UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang called for decisive action, emphasizing the three pillars of the UN Charter: peace, development, and human dignity.
Mr. Yang highlighted LLDCs’ vulnerability to climate change and structural challenges, urging international solidarity and infrastructure investment. He announced the proclamation of 6 August as the International Day of Awareness on Landlocked Developing Countries.
Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the UN Economic and Social Council, described LLDC3 as a pivotal moment for the 32 landlocked nations. He stressed the need for a bold, ambitious, and actionable blueprint in the Awaza Programme of Action to turn vulnerability into opportunity. Mr. Thapa called for an infrastructure investment facility, scaled-up climate finance, and regional cooperation.
LLDC3 continues with discussions on connectivity, transport, South-South cooperation, and youth engagement.