UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries Underway in Turkmenistan

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2025 (ENA) -- A series of events within the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) under the theme “Driving Progress Through Partnerships” has been launched in Turkmenistan's national resort.

The LLDC3 conference aims to promote global partnerships to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development in 32 landlocked developing countries worldwide, home to over 500 million people.

Many are also among the world’s least developed countries, facing structural challenges such as high transport costs, limited market access and vulnerability to climate shocks, said UN statement.

The event reflects the international community’s endorsement of Turkmenistan’s initiatives in sustainable energy, transportation, ecology, and environmental protection—efforts aimed at promoting universal prosperity and security,   Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov , said.

UN High Representative Rabab Fatima expressed hope that the gathering would "become a historic milestone defined by solidarity, significant decisions, and global commitments to the advancement of landlocked developing countries."

She said that the conference aims to mobilize global support for the comprehensive implementation of the Awaza Program of Action for 2024-2034, adopted by the UN General Assembly last December.

"This significant, forward-looking document provides a clear roadmap to accelerate structural reforms, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance the stability of landlocked developing countries. Our mission is to link every landlocked developing country to global markets, eliminate the transport and trade obstacles that hinder their progress, and secure the climate finance and investments necessary to safeguard their future" stated Fatima.

More than 20 heads of state and government and some 3,000 delegates from international organizations, civil society, youth, academia and the private sector are expected to attend the conference.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will arrive from Almaty, Kazakhstan where he participated at the opening of new Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan.

A series of events has been planned on the margins of the conference including parliamentary forum. The event was organized by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in collaboration with the Office of the High Representative of the United Nations for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, alongside the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The primary goal of the forum is to facilitate the exchange of experiences among parliamentarians and to develop recommendations for legislative bodies in landlocked developing countries. These recommendations focus on incorporating the priorities of the Programme of Action into legislative agendas.