The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) convened in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on 5 August 2025. Bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders, the event aimed to chart a strategic path forward for 32 landlocked nations. Under the theme “Driving Progress through Partnerships,” the conference provided a critical platform to tackle structural challenges, mobilize investments, and implement the newly adopted Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034).

High-Level UAE Delegation Highlights Commitment

The United Arab Emirates participated with a high-level delegation led by Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Turkmenistan. Al Mazrouei stressed that the UAE’s involvement reflects its enduring commitment to supporting global development and enhancing multilateral cooperation. He emphasized the nation’s dedication to sustainable development, fostering regional economic integration, and investing in advanced infrastructure to assist landlocked developing countries in overcoming geographic disadvantages.

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Focus on Partnerships and Collaboration

Expressing optimism about the conference’s prospects, Al Mazrouei highlighted the importance of forging effective partnerships, sharing expertise, and unlocking new avenues for collective growth and investment. The UAE delegation engaged in bilateral meetings with key figures, including Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, and Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye. Discussions centered on expanding cooperation in energy, transportation, and infrastructure sectors. The delegation also included Ahmed Al Hameli, UAE Ambassador to Turkmenistan, along with officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Energy and Infrastructure.

Conference Context and Aims

Held once every decade, LLDC3 draws global attention to the unique challenges faced by the 32 landlocked developing countries, home to over 600 million people. These nations encounter significant barriers in trade, economic diversification, and infrastructure development due to their lack of direct access to seaports. The conference’s primary goal is to promote coordinated international action to close these development gaps.

Over the course of four days, participants explored practical solutions focusing on partnerships, innovative investment frameworks, and the creation of efficient transport corridors designed to improve the flow of goods and services across regions.

Implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action

A central element of the conference was the roll-out of the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) for the decade 2024–2034. Adopted unanimously at the UN General Assembly in December 2024, the APoA provides a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing challenges of landlocked developing countries.

Built around five interconnected priority areas, the programme supports sustainable economic growth, regional cooperation, infrastructure enhancement, investment mobilization, and capacity building with institutional strengthening. It also outlines a series of significant international initiatives and deliverables aimed at fostering progress.

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Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Moment for Development Cooperation

LLDC3 represents a crucial moment for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. With Turkmenistan playing a key diplomatic role as host, the conference is set to guide the direction of global development partnerships with landlocked developing countries through 2034.

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