Supported by the new Awaza action program, the third United Nations conference on developing countries without coastal or LLDC3 will pressure for freer transit, smarter commercial corridors, stronger economic resilience and new funding to lift development prospects for 570 million people living in these countries.
For landlocked nations, geography has long dictated fate.
Trade costs are up to 74% higher than the global average and this can take twice as much time to move goods beyond borders compared to coastal countries. Consequently, landlocked nations are not found with only 1.2% of world trade.
And in the midst of global economic changes, these countries face the enormous risk of being left behind.
“” LLDC3 is a central occasion to reverse this trajectory“Said Rabab Fatima, a single UN representative for developing countries without coast.
“” In its heart, this conference concerns people – these are millions of children who lack internet or digital tools, farmers who cannot market their products due to bad roads and entrepreneurs whose dreams are retained by border delays and limited access to financing.“”
Broad commitment
The four -day event, from 5 to 8 years old, will include plenary sessions, five high -level round tables and a forum in the private sector have focused on creating partnerships and increasing investment.
Dedicated forums with parliamentarians, women leaders, a civil society and young people will make votes of all society at the heart of the discussions.
UN Secretary General António Guterres should assist, emphasizing the emergency of the agenda.
Many landlocked countries, such as Botswana (photo) are also on the fronts of the impact of climate change, highlighting their vulnerability.
The Awaza action program
The Awaza action program for 2024-2034 is central, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December.
It presents five priority areas – structural transformation, infrastructure and connectivity, facilitation of exchanges, regional integration and strengthening of resilience – supported by five flagship initiatives.
These include:
- A global investment facility on infrastructure to fill the financing gaps.
- Regional agricultural research centers to stimulate food security.
- A UN high level panel on transit freedom, guaranteeing smoother cross -border flows.
- Digital connectivity initiatives to fill the digital divide.
- A commercial work program dedicated to developing countries without coastline at the WTO.
Women buy in a plant market in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan. Improving food security is one of the priority areas of the Awaza action program.
Turkmenistan
For Turkmenistan, LLDC3 accommodation is both a diplomatic step and a declaration of intention.
“” We are proud to welcome him to the Côte de la Mer Caspienne in Turkmenistan,“Said Aksoltan Ataeva, Ambassador and Permanent UN representative.
“” We can’t wait to welcome [everyone] In Awaza for a transformer conference and focusing on the action that puts landlocked countries at the heart of world partnerships.“”
The organizers promise advanced facilities, cultural windows and networking spaces designed to stimulate collaboration. The delegates will also experience the Turkmen heritage of first -hand, from local art to Caspian cuisine.
The cross -border infrastructure, such as these power lines, are crucial connections connecting the LLDC with regional and global electrical networks.
Overview
For landlocked developing countries, the challenges are existential.
These countries are among the most vulnerable to the climate, the least connected and the most distant from world value chains. Without daring action, progress on the 2030 agenda Because sustainable development will remain out of reach.
“” The fate of humanity is inseparably linked to the destiny of these countries,“Said Diego Pacheco, Bolivia ambassador, who currently chairs the LLDC group to the UN.
“” Together, we can unlock the potential of developing countries without coast – not only for the benefit of our nations, but for the common future of all humanity and mother earth.“”
While the countdown in Awaza begins, expectations are high – not if geography is important (it does), but if global solidarity can transcend its limits.
LLDC3 aims to prove that this can.
There are 32 developing countries without coastline, 16 of which are also the least developed.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
