At the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza, Turkmenistan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a compelling appeal for global equity, emphasizing the necessity to dismantle barriers and restore fairness for landlocked nations. In his address on August 5, 2025, Guterres underscored the plight of the 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), which, despite their combined population exceeding 500 million, account for merely one percent of global trade. He highlighted that geography should not dictate destiny, stressing the need for bold reforms in the global economic framework.
These inequalities, Guterres noted, are perpetuated by an outdated global economic and financial system, further burdened by systemic neglect and structural impediments, often stemming from a colonial past. The LLDC3 conference serves as the initiation of the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs (2024–2034), a strategic plan prioritizing climate resilience, enhanced connectivity, trade facilitation, and economic diversification. The plan calls for increased support from developed nations and international financial institutions as detailed by JURIST.
Furthermore, Guterres urged the reform of global financial structures, advocating for fairer lending practices and debt relief for LLDCs, who face some of the highest borrowing costs worldwide. LLDC leaders, expressing commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals during the conference, stressed the importance of tangible international solidarity, a sentiment echoed by many delegates.
The conference marks a significant milestone, being the first since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, and sets the stage for future multilateral engagements. The formal adoption of the Awaza Programme of Action by the UN General Assembly in late 2024 replaces the Vienna Programme of Action, establishing a renewed focus on collaboration with LLDCs over the next decade.
Guterres concluded with a heartfelt call to action, underlining the critical importance of LLDCs’ success to the overall achievement of the 2030 Agenda. He reminded the international community that the necessary knowledge and tools are within reach, urging collective efforts to foster economic integration, resilience, and shared prosperity for these vulnerable nations as reported by UN News.