Policy
Avaza celebrated the day of support for landlocked developing countries for the first time
07.08.2025A briefing dedicated to the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This day is celebrated for the first time on 6 August in accordance with a new UN General Assembly resolution. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. Speaking at the event, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, stressed the importance of drawing attention to the challenges faced by such countries and expressed hope that the Awaza Programme of Action would be a step towards sustainable development through international cooperation. Foreign Affairs Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov said that it was a great honour for his country to celebrate the International Day for the first time. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, it was not just a date, but a call for practical action aimed at integrating LLDCs into the global economy. Particular attention was paid to promoting transport connectivity, regional integration and peaceful dialogue as conditions for sustainable growth. In this anniversary year for the UN and Turkmenistan's neutrality, the forum participants emphasised the importance of solidarity, dialogue and equal access to development opportunities. The event was not only a symbolic act, but also an effective platform for developing concrete measures to support the LLDCs, confirming the common course towards partnership, innovation and sustainability.
Avaza: Landlocked countries discuss sustainable development
07.08.2025The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, continued its work in plenary sessions. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The main topic of discussion was the development of effective mechanisms to overcome geographical isolation and stimulate the socio-economic development of LLDCs. Conference participants discussed key challenges, including the need to modernise transport infrastructure, environmental aspects, and the importance of attracting investment and expanding international cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the transition to a new ten-year programme – the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024-2034. Speakers noted its importance as a tool for sustainable development and turning vulnerabilities into opportunities, calling for the consolidation of efforts at the national, regional and global levels.
Turkmenistan has become a platform for discussing climate challenges for the LLDCs
07.08.2025On 6 August, the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted a high-level round table on ‘Enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and addressing vulnerability to climate change and disasters in landlocked developing countries (LLDC3)’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event was organised within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) with the assistance of international organisations and participating countries. Key challenges were discussed, including environmental degradation, extreme weather events and the need to adapt to climate change. Particular attention was paid to climate finance, rational water use, environmental technologies in agriculture, and the development of logistics and transport. Turkmenistan, which actively cooperates with the UN and its structures, presented its efforts in the field of sustainable development: implementation of the national climate strategy, participation in the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge, promotion of ‘green’ technologies and environmental diplomacy. The country's initiative to establish a UN Regional Climate Technology Centre for Central Asia was also highlighted. At the centre of the agenda is the Awaza Programme of Action, which aims to support LLDCs in combating climate risks, creating sustainable infrastructure and accessing finance. Participants noted the importance of international support, technology transfer and the participation of financial institutions in the implementation of sustainable solutions. In conclusion, participants expressed their gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for organising the meeting and contributing to the development of international cooperation in the field of sustainable development.
Turkmenistan presented national initiatives at the UN Conference
07.08.2025As part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), Turkmenistan organised a series of events focusing on youth policy, sustainable energy and the circular economy. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. One of the key events held on 6 August was dedicated to the role of youth as a driving force for socio-economic transformation. Participants discussed the priorities of Turkmenistan's state youth policy, including the implementation of the updated law adopted in 2022 and the active involvement of young people in international projects. Support for youth entrepreneurship and participation in international youth programmes also remain a focus. In addition, sustainable energy issues were discussed. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to developing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as reducing methane emissions. Specific steps include the construction of a solar-wind power plant in the Balkan velayat and participation in the Global Methane Pledge. The country has a law on renewable energy sources, and a research centre has been established at the Energy Institute in Mary. The topic of the circular economy also featured prominently on the agenda. The circular economy is seen in Turkmenistan as a tool for rational resource use and sustainable development. The country's government has proposed developing a Global Framework for the Transition to a Circular Economy, an idea that was supported in negotiations with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Turkmenistan is already participating in international projects such as CirculEC and ESGCA, and relevant technological solutions are being developed at national research centres. All the initiatives presented underscore Turkmenistan's desire for international cooperation and confirm its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Parallel events were held at Avaza as part of the UN conference
07.08.2025On the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a series of parallel events were held on sustainable development, digitalisation, investment and climate risk management. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The WTO session discussed the digitisation of document flow in international transport corridors as a way to reduce logistics costs and improve LLDCs' access to global markets. Participants emphasised the importance of introducing modern technologies and a legal framework for digital logistics. During the discussion on sustainable land use, water use and trade, the need for investment in these interrelated areas was highlighted, as food security and economic stability depend directly on them. Particular attention was paid to the role of agricultural research centres in adapting the LLDCs' agricultural sector to climate challenges. The importance of scientific approaches and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies was noted. At the session on the implementation of the Awaza Action Programme for 2024–2034, the need to coordinate efforts in all key areas of development, from infrastructure to climate resilience, was emphasised. The event on youth start-ups highlighted the role of young people as drivers of innovation and economic transformation. Initiatives supporting digital entrepreneurship among young people were discussed. The topic of public-private partnerships in the agricultural sector was raised in the context of the need to attract investment and expand the role of the private sector. The issue of climate change, including glacier melt, was considered critical for sustainable water supply and energy. Turkmenistan declared its commitment to environmental initiatives and international cooperation. The session on infrastructure investment discussed the importance of modernising transport and communications infrastructure for the integration of the LLDCs into regional and global markets. Turkmenistan's achievements in investment policy were mentioned. A separate event was devoted to new technologies as a means of overcoming the geographical constraints of the LLDCs and accelerating their development. Disaster risk reduction in the context of the Kigali Action Programme was seen as key to sustainable development and infrastructure strengthening. The high-level political dialogue emphasised the importance of a strategic approach to integrating LLDCs into the global economy through the development of partnerships, trade and digital transformation. Concluding the day, participants highlighted the significant potential of LLDCs and the need for coordinated action at the national, regional and global levels to realise this potential and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The President of Turkmenistan met with high-ranking representatives of several countries
07.08.2025On the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held meetings with leaders and high-ranking representatives of a number of participating states. This was reported by the IIC. The negotiations were attended by the Presidents of Armenia and São Tomé and Príncipe, the Prime Ministers of Nepal, Mali and Uganda, and the Vice-Presidents of Malawi and Gambia. During the meeting, issues of sustainable development, transport connectivity, economic and humanitarian cooperation were discussed. Particular attention was paid to cooperation in energy, agriculture, education, healthcare, science, tourism and culture. Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the importance of dialogue between the countries of the Global South and the search for common solutions against the backdrop of global challenges. The forum participants thanked the organisers for the conference and expressed their readiness for further cooperation, both at the bilateral level and within international structures.
The President of Turkmenistan received his colleague from São Tomé and Príncipe
07.08.2025President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with the President of São Tomé and Príncipe Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, who arrived to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), according to the news website Turkmenportal. The guest expressed his gratitude for the reception and noted the importance of the forum for the sustainable development and integration of such states into the global economy. The parties emphasised Turkmenistan's commitment to a policy of neutrality and its desire to strengthen ties with African countries, including within the framework of the UN. Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed interest in joint projects, including in the field of tourism, and confirmed his readiness to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.
Presidents of Turkmenistan and Armenia discussed opportunities for developing partnership
07.08.2025The President of Turkmenistan held a meeting with the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly welcomed Vahagn Khachaturyan, expressing gratitude for his visit and participation in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). In turn, the President of Armenia thanked his Turkmen counterpart for the invitation and highly appreciated the organisation of the international forum. The parties discussed prospects for strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Turkmenistan and Qatar discussed the implementation of previously reached agreements
07.08.2025On August 6, a meeting was held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed a wide range of issues, including strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and developing cultural and humanitarian partnership. Particular attention was paid to the implementation of previously reached agreements and cooperation in international organisations. The importance of implementing the signed bilateral documents was also emphasised. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to continue cooperation based on mutual respect and trust.
A Ministerial Meeting on cooperation was held in Turkmenistan as part of a UN conference
06.08.2025During the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a Ministerial Meeting on South-South Cooperation was held. The event brought together representatives of international organisations, regional associations and governments of the Global South to discuss regional integration, trade promotion and sustainable development. This was reported by IIC. Session moderator Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), drew attention to the high trade costs for landlocked countries, which on average exceed those of coastal states by 30%. He stressed the importance of digital solutions and coordination between customs authorities to reduce these costs. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan noted that countries in the Global South account for a significant share of global trade. She called for greater regional integration and investment in infrastructure projects, including transport corridors in Central Asia. Mammetguly Astanagulov, Minister of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan, highlighted the need to harmonise legislation and develop logistics systems. He pointed to the potential of transit corridors through Central Asia as an important element of economic growth. President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun expressed the bank's readiness to finance sustainable projects that meet international standards in partnership with other financial institutions. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of South-South cooperation in overcoming trade and infrastructure barriers.
The LLDC 3 Youth Forum in Turkmenistan discussed strengthening regional leadership
06.08.2025Today, the National Tourist Zone ‘Avaza’ hosted an event entitled ‘Youth Policy in Action’ as part of the LLDC 3 Youth Forum, dedicated to regional leadership and strategic investment for landlocked developing countries. The forum brought together representatives of government agencies, UN organisations, youth associations and civil society. This was reported by the online publication Turkmenportal. The event continued the dialogue that began at the youth meeting in Arkadag and was developed at the UN headquarters in New York in April 2025. In his speech, Azat Atayev, Deputy Minister of Education of Turkmenistan, noted the importance of involving young people in creative industries with high added value. Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia Kakha Imnadze proposed an initiative to establish an Academy of Preventive Diplomacy to strengthen mutual understanding among the younger generation. The forum participants called for greater youth participation in national development processes, the adaptation of educational programmes to labour market requirements, and support for young entrepreneurs and innovators. Following the discussion, participants expressed their readiness to continue cooperation in international forums to ensure that young people from LLDC countries play an active role in decisions that affect their future.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank presents initiatives at forum in Avaza
06.08.2025On the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a round table was held to discuss their key challenges and prospects. Participants stressed the importance of a multilateral approach to sustainable development and economic cooperation. This was reported by the IIC. Landlocked countries depend on their neighbours with ports, but this situation can become the basis for mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, transport and investment. Particular attention was paid to infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth. The President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank noted that modern transport and energy networks contribute to regional integration. He cited projects outside Asia as examples, in particular the construction of an airport in Addis Ababa and the modernisation of transport routes in Côte d'Ivoire, which have enabled landlocked countries to join global supply chains. Participants agreed that sustainable development is only possible with improved transport connectivity and active international cooperation.
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