Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reported to the House of Representatives (HoR) regarding his recent participation in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) held in Awaza, Turkmenistan. Oli emphasized that Nepal’s involvement in the conference underlines serious concerns over the challenges that LLDCs face.
According to National News Agency Nepal, PM Oli shared details of the Nepali delegation’s engagement in the conference, which took place from August 5-7. He highlighted that Nepal actively voiced the interests of LLDCs on the international stage, participating in major sessions and thematic roundtables. This, he noted, not only boosted Nepal’s global profile but also demonstrated its potential leadership capabilities.
Oli expressed confidence that both formal and informal interactions during the conference have strengthened Nepal’s ties with friendly nations and enhanced cooperation with the United Nations. The conference, he noted, successfully identified strategies to tackle issues like transit inefficiencies that affect landlocked countries and resulted in the endorsement of the Awaza Programme of Action. Participants at the conference pledged their commitment to advancing the development aspirations of LLDCs.
The conference saw attendance from representatives of approximately 100 countries, including heads of states and governments, the United Nations Secretary-General, and the President of the 79th General Assembly. PM Oli addressed the plenary session both as the Chair of the group of least developed countries and on behalf of Nepal, focusing on the challenges facing LLDCs such as lack of infrastructure, limited market access, high transit costs, and climate change impacts.
In his address, Oli stressed the importance of mutual cooperation among LLDCs and called for increased support from development partners. He also highlighted Nepal’s efforts in promoting cross-border connectivity through infrastructure development, expansion of highways and railways, trade corridors, and green energy initiatives, urging neighboring countries and donor agencies for additional support.
Co-chairing a high-level thematic roundtable on trade and regional integration, Oli underscored the challenges faced by LLDCs due to lack of direct sea access and high transport costs. He called for effective actions to improve the living standards of approximately 600 million people in these countries.
In a roundtable on structural transformation, diversification, and science, technology, and innovation (STI), Oli encouraged LLDCs to leverage STI for increased productivity and integration into global value chains. During another session on climate change resilience, he stressed the need for LLDCs to access climate funds and develop effective adaptation measures.
PM Oli also participated in sessions on sustainable infrastructure and promoting transit systems, highlighting the need for strategic partnerships and tailored financial mechanisms for LLDCs. Additionally, he notified the HoR about bilateral meetings with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and other dignitaries during the conference.