Why in the news?

  • The third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) opened in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

  • Frequency: Once every 10 years.
  • Participants: 32 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) with a combined population of 600+ million.
  • Objective: Coordinate global efforts to bridge development gaps for LLDCs.
  • Theme (2025): Driving Progress through Partnerships.
  • Focus Areas of LLDC3:
    • Build efficient, flexible transport corridors for goods and services.
    • Promote partnerships and smarter investment frameworks.
    • Address structural challenges and mobilize investment.
    • Implement the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034).
  • Challenges for LLDCs:
    • No direct access to seaports.
    • High trade costs and barriers to market access.
    • Slower economic diversification.
    • Infrastructure deficits.

Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) 2024–2034

  • Adopted: 24 Dec 2024, UN General Assembly (by consensus).
  • Nature: Comprehensive 10-year framework to address LLDCs’ persistent development issues.
  • Five Priority Areas:
    • Structural Transformation & Science, Technology, Innovation (STI): Boost industrialization, technology adoption, and innovation capacity.
    • Trade, Trade Facilitation & Regional Integration: Reduce transit delays, improve customs procedures, and foster regional value chains.
    • Transit, Transport & Connectivity: Develop sustainable, multimodal transport systems and digital connectivity.
    • Enhancing Adaptive Capacity, Strengthening Resilience & Reducing Vulnerability: Build resilience against climate change, economic shocks, and disasters.
  • Implementation, Follow-up & Monitoring: Strengthen governance, data systems, and accountability for APoA progress.