The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) is starting on August 5 in the Avaza resort zone on the coast of the Caspian Sea in Turkmenistan. This forum, held once every 10 years, aims to reshape the global trade system by providing new opportunities to 32 developing countries whose economies are limited by the lack of direct access to maritime trade routes. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is participating in the four-day session.
Turkmenistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Aksoltan Ataeva, noted that the forum participants will adopt the “Avaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034,” the implementation of which will support the successful economic and sustainable development of landlocked countries, as well as a Political Declaration.
There are 44 landlocked countries worldwide, 32 of which are classified as developing nations. These include several CIS countries, Central Asian states, Armenia, and Belarus. Due to their geographic location, trade operations for such countries cost on average 74% more, and cross-border logistics take twice as long compared to coastal countries. Such countries account for only 1.2% of global trade, which increases their risk of being left behind in global economic progress.
Rabab Fatima, the UN High Representative for Landlocked Developing Countries, called the conference a key opportunity to reverse negative trends.
Conference participants will seek ways to achieve freer transit, establish efficient trade corridors, enhance economic resilience, and ensure stable financing.
For example, Belarus intends to use the UN platform to make a firm statement about its challenges in accessing the sea. According to Anatoly Glaz, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country is feeling the effects of restrictive measures that violate its right of access to the sea and transit, as enshrined in the UN Convention.
“It is time to duly highlight the problems Belarus faces in exercising its legitimate rights,” Anatoly Glaz said.
According to an expert, for the conditions in Central Asia — which Nezavisimaya Gazeta has repeatedly reported on — the risks posed by projects such as the Afghan Qosh Tepa canal (see NG from 28.05.23), the construction of the Rogun Hydropower Plant in Tajikistan (see NG from 13.04.25), as well as the declining level of the Caspian Sea, effectively nullify all UN concepts.
