Held under the subject Promote progress through associationsThe four -day forum known as LLDC3, brought together the heads of state, high UN officials, development partners and private sector leaders to address the persistent challenges facing LLDC, including high commercial costs, inadequate infrastructure and climate change vulnerability.
Anchored by the Awaza Action Program for 2024–2034, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly last year, the new Awaza Declaration ‘describes a unified strategy in five priority areas:
- Structural economic transformation;
- Regional trade and integration;
- Transport and infrastructure;
- Adaptation to climate change and disaster risk reduction; and
- Mobilize finance and associations.
“Awaza’s statement marks a turning point. It is a plan for action, not just the words“Rababababa Fátima said under Secretary.
“With the specific investments in infrastructure, commercial facilitation and climate resistance, we can unlock the potential of the LLDC and make sure that no one is left behind.”
Mrs. Fatima, who also serves as the high UN representative for less developed countries, developing countries without coastline and small states in developing islands (NO-OHRLLS), said the conference would be remembered as a decisive moment on the trip of LLDC, marking the beginning of a new era of bold associations and a decisive action.
“It is this spirit … of solidarity, association and shared purpose that will take us forward. A future in which we are not divided by geography, but are connected through ideas, commerce and innovation,” he said.
“Let’s make the promise of ‘linked to Earth’ not only a phrase but a new way of life … The UN is ready to support this decade of delivery“He added.
A call to investment and inclusion
The statement requires a greater investment of multilateral development banks, a stronger cooperation of South-South and a broader inclusion of LLDC’s interests in global commercial and climatic agendas.
It also emphasizes the importance of monitoring the implementation and ensuring that the LLDC themselves lead the process, coordinated by NO OHRLLS.
Turkmenistan initiatives
As a host country, Turkmenistan presented several initiatives aligned with the objectives of the conference, including global atlas for sustainable transport connectivity, the global hydrogen energy transition program and the Caspia environmental initiative.
“Awaza’s statement reflects our shared vision of association and progress,” said Gurbanguly Mälikguleyýç Berdimuhamedow, national leader of the Turkish people and president of the Popular Council of Turkmenistan.
“Together, transit countries, development partners and the private sector, we can overcome geographical limitations and build sustainable prosperity for our peoples.”
What follows?
Awaza’s statement represents a great step forward for the LLDC and a renewed symbol of global solidarity: convert a geographical disadvantage into a shared advantage.
The implementation will be traced by the UN General Assembly through annual ministerial meetings of LLDC.
The next key platforms to advance in LLDC’s priorities include:
- The UN Climate Conference 2025 in Brazil (COP30);
- The next meeting of the UN Conference on Commerce and Development (UNCTAD); and
- The 2027 global mountain summit in Kyrguistan.
A half period of the Awaza Action Program is scheduled for 2030.
Rabab Fátima (on screen), under the general secretary and senior representative for less developed countries, developing countries without coastline and small states in Isleños, held an expanded press conference at the third UN conference on developing countries without coastline (LLDC3).
Cooperation begins with neighbors
In an informative press session, Aksolid Ataeva, permanent representative of Turkmenistan before the United Nations, said that for his country, “organizing LLDC3 is not just a significant political event, but also reflects Turkmenist’s foreign policy philosophy: being a bridge, not a barrier.“
The UN resident coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko said UN news The conference was especially important for the region, gathering several heads of state of Central Asia.
Global associations are important, but real cooperation begins with neighbors.
Mr. Shlapachenko shared an example cited by the UN Secretary General in meetings with Central Asia leaders:
“Before Portugal and Spain joined the European Union, trade between them was minimal. But once they became part of the EU, 40 percent of all goods exported by Portugal went to Spain. This really improved life (the people of both countries). I think it is very important to take this into account when we talk about central Asia.”
“There is still much to do here, but we are moving in the right direction,“He added.
The UN resident coordinator in Uzbekistan Sabine Machl pointed out that UN Central Asia teams gather regularly to coordinate their work. Uzbekistan, one of the only two double coastal countries in the world (together with Liechtenstein), faces unique challenges, but also opportunities.
“Like the United Nations team in Uzbekistan, for the next five years, what we want to do is take advantage of the demographic dividend investing in the people of Uzbekistan,” he said.
“That is our only strategic priority. Because Uzbekistan has a very young population, 60 percent of the population is less than 30 years old.”
In Lesotho, an African country without a coastline, water is a great opportunity. The UN resident coordinator, Amanda Khozi Mukawashi UN news That the country wants to share its abundant water and other resources, but it needs investment.
“Lesotho has water. It is one of its greatest natural assets: a lot of water that flows from Lesotho and saves lives in neighboring countries such as Namibia, Botswana, etc.,” he said.
“What they try to do is seek investment, develop infrastructure so that they can produce renewable, hydroelectric energy.”
He added that Lesotho could use their wind and solar resources not only for their own industrial development, but to export to a region that faces challenges in both water and energy.
These and other ideas were discussed outside the conference and will continue to advance in future forums.
Goodbye to Awaza
On Friday, Awaza, Nideled on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the largest interior water body in the world, said goodbye to its guests with a ceremonial decrease in the UN flags and Turkmenistan, which had risen at the beginning of the week.
“Awaza will be remembered as a decisive moment for the trip of the LLDC, not only for the great success of the conference itself, but as the beginning of a new era of ambitious associations and decisive action,“Said Mrs. Fatima, ending the forum.
The third UN conference on less developed countries was inaugurated in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on Tuesday, August 5.
UN news I was on the field in Awaza, bringing all the most prominent aspects and debates. Find all our coverage here.