The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) is currently taking place in Awaza, Turkmenistan. It runs from August 5 to 8, 2025. This event happens every ten years to create a new action plan. Importantly, the plan focuses on the unique challenges faced by Landlocked Developing Countries.
Mongolia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development, Uchral Nyam-Osor, spoke at the conference. In his remarks, he shared Mongolia’s views on trade and transit issues linked to being landlocked. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of the upcoming Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs.
Deputy Prime Minister Uchral outlined several key proposals in the draft action plan. First, he called for scaling up infrastructure investment financing. Then, he proposed establishing a regional agricultural research center. Additionally, he suggested creating a High-Level Panel under the UN Secretary-General focused on freedom of transit. He urged all Landlocked Developing Countries to include these priorities in their national plans for better results.
Furthermore, Uchral highlighted Mongolia’s ongoing efforts to support Landlocked Developing Countries. For instance, Mongolia collaborates with the International Civil Aviation Organization. It also hosts the International Think Tank for LLDCs in Ulaanbaatar. This Think Tank conducts research and policy advocacy to promote sustainable development and connectivity.
The conference’s opening ceremony featured many top leaders. UN Secretary-General António Guterres attended, along with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow. Additionally, UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang and ECOSOC President Bob Rae were present. Their attendance demonstrates the global importance of the Landlocked Developing Countries agenda.
Although Landlocked Developing Countries represent 8 percent of the world’s population and 12 percent of its land, they contribute only 1.2 percent to global trade. As a result, these countries face economic isolation and high trade costs. Therefore, conferences like this are crucial for finding solutions to these challenges.
In conclusion, Mongolia actively supports Landlocked Developing Countries. Specifically, the country promotes cooperation, infrastructure investment, and policy reform. Through these efforts, Mongolia hopes to boost sustainable growth and global trade for landlocked nations.
