Daily press conference of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3).
Daily press briefing of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) by OHRLLs spokesperson Ms. May Yaacoub.
Good afternoon, everyone and thank you so much for joining us in the first LLDC3 daily briefing. The first in a decade, I should say.
As you all know, the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) officially opened today in the beautiful city of Awaza, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders under the theme "Driving Progress through Partnerships".
This landmark event aims to address the unique challenges faced by the world's 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), home to over 600 million people, and accelerate sustainable development through enhanced cooperation, trade facilitation, and infrastructure investment.
In his opening remarks, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the urgent need for collective action. He said "despite representing 7 per cent of the world's population, LLDCs account for just over one per cent of the global economy and trade – a stark example of deep inequalities that perpetuate marginalization. These inequalities are not inevitable," he said, emphasizing that "this conference is not about obstacles. It is about solutions. It is about launching a new decade of ambition – through the Awaza Programme of Action and its deliverables – and fully unlocking the development potential of landlocked developing countries."
"The United Nations is proud to stand with you in this effort," he concluded.
His Excellency Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan, reinforced this commitment to global solidarity during his speech at the LLDC3 Opening Ceremony.
Emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship in economic development, he stated and I quote:
"We proceed from the necessity of aligning all economic activities with environmental standards. The essence of our environmental policy is to "tune" the economic system in such a way that the production sphere is not a rival to nature, but its ally and support."
As per Ms. Rabab Fatima, in her capacity as Secretary-General of LLDC3 conference, she underscored the need to shift the narrative surrounding LLDCs, saying that "for too long, LLDCs have been defined by the barriers of geography - remoteness, inaccessibility, and borders that do not open to the sea. But that is only part of the story."
She emphasized that while these countries may be landlocked, they are not opportunity locked. "Geography must not dictate their destiny. These are countries rich in resources, resilience, and ambition," she noted.
Reflecting on the theme of the Conference - "Driving Progress through Partnerships" - Ms. Fatima highlighted a new era of cooperation and inclusion. She stressed that LLDCs should no longer be seen as isolated or constrained, but rather as fully integrated partners in the global economy, with the potential to contribute meaningfully to shared prosperity.
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I would like to flag that shortly after my briefing, we will have here with us
H.E. Mr. Rashid MEREDOV, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan together with Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General and Ms. Rabab Fatima, in her capacity as Secretary-General of LLDC3 Conference and UN Under Secretary-General for OHRLLS will brief the journalists on expectations for the LLDC3 Conference.
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I'd like to highlight the key outcomes from yesterday's pre-conference forums, namely from the parliamentarians, civil society, and youth Forums.
Starting with the Parliamentarians Forum, leaders acknowledged the pressing challenges facing LLDCs—from economic transformation gaps to infrastructure deficits—while endorsing the Awaza Programme of Action as a critical roadmap for 2024–2034. They reaffirmed their role in driving progress through legislation, oversight, and inclusive governance, stressing the need for stronger partnerships and accountability to leave no one behind.
Turning to the Civil Society Forum, discussions centered on resilience amid funding cuts, particularly for essential services like HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health. A strong call was made for sustainable project design—one that avoids dependency by building self-sufficiency from the outset. Inclusion took center stage, with emphasis on empowering persons with disabilities, women, and youth in decision-making, especially in climate and disaster response. The forum also highlighted how science, technology, and innovation can bridge gaps, from boosting e-commerce for small businesses to holding mining firms accountable for environmental and social impact.
Finally, the Youth Forum marked a milestone—the first time young leaders from all 32 LLDCs were formally included in the conversation. The message was clear: youth are not just beneficiaries but drivers of change, leveraging digital storytelling, innovation, and advocacy to tackle climate resilience and food security. The Landlinked Fellows awards showcased how creativity can reshape narratives, while delegates challenged governments to move beyond token inclusion by investing in skills, leadership, and tangible opportunities under the Awaza Programme of Action.
In summary, these forums set a powerful tone for LLDC3—one of collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to turning challenges into sustainable progress. We look forward to carrying these voices into the main conference;
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