UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries Opens in Turkmenistan
Addis Ababa, August 5, 2025 (FMC) — The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) has officially opened in Turkmenistan under the theme “Driving Progress Through Partnerships.”
The global gathering, held at Turkmenistan’s national resort, brings together representatives from 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), which collectively represent over 500 million people. Many of these nations are also classified among the world’s least developed, facing persistent structural challenges including high transportation costs, limited market access, and vulnerability to climate shocks.
According to the United Nations, the conference aims to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development in LLDCs by fostering global partnerships and delivering tangible commitments.
Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov noted that the event reflects the international community’s support for Turkmenistan’s initiatives in sustainable energy, transport, ecology, and environmental protection—key areas for ensuring universal prosperity and security.
UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, expressed optimism that the gathering would become a “historic milestone defined by solidarity, significant decisions, and global commitments to the advancement of landlocked developing countries.”
She emphasized that the conference is geared toward mobilizing global support for the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034, adopted by the UN General Assembly last December. “This forward-looking document offers a clear roadmap to accelerate structural reforms, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance the resilience of LLDCs,” Fatima said. “Our mission is to connect every landlocked developing country to global markets, remove trade and transport barriers, and secure the climate finance and investment needed for their future.”
More than 20 heads of state and government and over 3,000 participants from international organizations, civil society, academia, youth groups, and the private sector are expected to attend the conference.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime, is also participating in the LLDC3 Conference.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also scheduled to participate, arriving from Kazakhstan, where he inaugurated a new Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
Among the key side events is a Parliamentary Forum, jointly organized by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, the UN Office of the High Representative, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The forum is designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing among parliamentarians and to generate legislative recommendations for LLDCs. These proposals aim to align national legislation with the priorities outlined in the Awaza Programme of Action.