Landlocked developing countries face a unique set of challenges that greatly hinder their economic growth and prosperity. These countries, which have no access to the sea, struggle with high trade costs, delays, and limited market access, causing them to lag behind their coastal neighbors. The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), also known as LLDC3, will take place in Awaza, Turkmenistan from 5-8 August 2025 to address these complex hurdles and find sustainable solutions for the development of these nations.
The LLDC3 conference, organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN OHRLLS), will bring together representatives from 32 landlocked countries, transit countries, and development partners, along with experts from various fields including trade, transport, and finance. The goal of the conference is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by landlocked developing countries and to find tangible solutions to overcome them.
According to the UN OHRLLS, landlocked developing countries account for approximately 16% of the world’s population and 40% of the global population living in poverty. These countries, which are often located in remote, landlocked regions with limited infrastructure, face significant barriers to trade and are highly dependent on neighboring countries for access to world markets.
One of the main challenges faced by landlocked developing countries is the “landlocked penalty,” which refers to the additional costs and delays in trade due to the lack of direct access to the sea. Studies have shown that these countries face trade costs that are on average 50% higher than their coastal counterparts. This “penalty” greatly reduces their competitiveness in the global market and limits their potential for economic growth and development.
Furthermore, landlocked developing countries also lack the necessary infrastructure to facilitate trade, such as efficient road, rail, and air networks. This further contributes to higher trade costs and longer transit times, making it difficult for them to compete in the global market.
The LLDC3 conference will provide a platform for landlocked developing countries to share their experiences, challenges, and success stories, and to learn from each other and their coastal counterparts. The conference will also focus on promoting investment in infrastructure development and improving trade and transit facilitation to reduce the “landlocked penalty.”
One of the key outcomes of the conference will be the adoption of the “Programme of Action for Sustainable Development of Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2026-2035.” This action plan will outline specific measures to be taken by both landlocked and transit countries, as well as development partners, to address the challenges faced by landlocked developing countries and to promote their sustainable development.
The LLDC3 conference will also provide a platform for landlocked developing countries to engage with the private sector and explore opportunities for investment and partnerships. This will help to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities in these countries, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and improving the lives of millions of people.
May Yaacoub, the spokesperson for LLDC3, emphasized that the conference will be a crucial step towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
In addition to addressing the economic challenges faced by landlocked developing countries, the conference will also focus on the importance of sustainable development and climate action. These countries, which often have fragile and vulnerable ecosystems, are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Therefore, the LLDC3 conference will also explore ways to strengthen resilience to climate change and promote sustainable development.
Furthermore, the conference will also serve as a platform for landlocked developing countries to advocate for their unique needs and challenges on the global stage. The conference will raise awareness about the importance of addressing the specific challenges faced by these countries and the necessity for sustained support from the international community.
In conclusion, the LLDC3 conference in Turkmenistan will provide a crucial opportunity for landlocked developing countries to come together and address the challenges that have hindered their development for far too long. By finding sustainable solutions and promoting partnerships and investment, the conference will pave the way for these countries to unlock their full potential and achieve economic growth and prosperity. As the international community continues to work towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, it is essential that the needs of landlocked developing countries
