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LLDC 3: Digital transformation as an opportunity for landlocked countries
04.08.2025At the Civil Society Forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), experts emphasised the importance of the digital economy in overcoming geographical isolation. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Lack of access to the sea limits access to global markets and increases logistics costs, but digital technologies – from e-commerce to telemedicine – are opening the way for these countries to integrate into the global economy. The development of digital infrastructure contributes to job creation, investment attraction and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Forum participants called for strengthening cooperation between states, business, international organisations and civil society to advance the digital agenda.
UNICEF presents measures for a sustainable future at forum in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025At the parliamentary forum held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a UNICEF representative emphasised the importance of trust and transparent governance as the foundation for successful development. This was reported by IIC Turkmenistan. The organisation's expert noted that progress is possible not only through economic measures, but also due to the establishment of dialogue between the state and citizens. UNICEF, working in 190 countries, actively helps such states to strengthen institutions, ensure accountability of authorities and involve vulnerable groups, including children, in the decision-making process. Successful examples include cooperation with the parliaments of Turkmenistan, Laos, Burkina Faso and Nepal. Particular attention is paid to the establishment of children's rights committees and the involvement of young people in governance, which contributes to more equitable public policies. Parliaments play a key role in ensuring inclusivity and taking citizens' interests into account. The partnership with UNICEF demonstrates how trust and joint efforts can contribute to sustainable development.
The President of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe was welcomed in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025A delegation from the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, led by President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The plane carrying the guests landed at Turkmenbashi International Airport, where the delegation was warmly welcomed in the spirit of Turkmen hospitality. São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean, located 300 km off the coast of Africa. The country's economy has traditionally been based on cocoa production, but is now actively developing due to investments in oil production.
The Vice President of the Republic of Malawi has arrived in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Michael Bizwick Usi arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news resource Turkmenportal. He was warmly and solemnly welcomed at Ashgabat International Airport by official representatives, who paid him high honours in the spirit of traditional Turkmen hospitality. After the official reception in the capital, Michael Bizwick Usi headed to the city of Turkmenbashi, where the key event of the conference will take place. The participation at the vice-presidential level confirms the high priority that Malawi attaches to this important international UN forum.
Deals worth $3.7 million were concluded at the SCRMET
04.08.2025At the recent auction of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, 11 deals were concluded with a total turnover of more than 3.7 million US dollars. The main buyers were entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, who purchased aerated concrete blocks and liquefied gas produced by the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. In addition, businessmen from Kyrgyzstan and other countries purchased cotton yarn, cotton lint and denim products. On the domestic market, domestic companies concluded deals for polypropylene, cotton yarn and terry products worth 6.3 million manats. These deals show that there is still a lot of demand for Turkmen products both internationally and domestically. Trading at the SCRMET keeps playing a big role in helping Turkmenistan build up its economic ties with other countries.
Russia strengthens partnerships with landlocked countries at forum in Avaza
04.08.2025At the parliamentary forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a representative of the Russian Federation announced Moscow's readiness to support global partnership and integration. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Russia positions itself as an open and reliable partner, offering to use its large-scale logistics projects, including its successful experience of cooperation with Kazakhstan in the transport sector. ‘Russia is at your disposal. We are ready for dialogue, joint projects, the development of new routes and partnerships,’ emphasised the representative of the Russian delegation. Thus, support for landlocked countries has become an important part of Russia's foreign policy aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive global economy.
Small businesses and innovation open up new prospects for landlocked countries
04.08.2025During international discussions, experts and parliamentarians from landlocked countries emphasised the need to expand integration and connections at all levels, from transport infrastructure to digital technologies and financial support for small and medium-sized businesses. This was reported by the IIC. Particular attention was paid to the fact that connectivity must go beyond simple connections to ports and harbours. It is important to build effective communications between industry and markets, entrepreneurs and sources of finance, and to provide enterprises with modern technologies. A key factor for success is the alignment of financial legislative initiatives with national plans and the mobilisation of resources to support small and medium-sized businesses and job creation. It was also noted that international and regional partnerships are an important element in the implementation of the programme. UN organisations such as UNIDO and the International Trade Centre provide technical assistance in the areas of industrialisation and climate policy. Financial institutions and local unions in Africa and other regions provide access to financial instruments, while civil society and the private sector promote inclusiveness and sustainable development.
The UN emphasised the role of parliaments at the forum in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025At the Parliamentary Forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone ahead of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), The President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philémon Yunji Yang, emphasised the key role of parliaments in achieving sustainable development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, it is parliaments that translate international commitments into concrete results, form the legislative basis for infrastructure development, innovation and regional integration, and play an important role in the climate agenda. In particular, the President of the 79th General Assembly referred to the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed the legal obligation of States to protect the climate. Y. Yang also noted the importance of parliamentary control and budgetary oversight, as well as their role in communicating with society to raise awareness and engage local communities.
In Avaza, parliamentarians examined key factors for sustainable development
04.08.2025A representative of the Parliament of Lesotho addressed the Parliamentary Forum of Landlocked Countries, expressing strong determination to accelerate the implementation of the Awaza Programme. In her speech, she emphasised the importance of parliamentary oversight and legislative initiative as key instruments for achieving sustainable development, according to the IIC. According to her, parliamentary committees are actively conducting investigations and drafting bills aimed at the effective implementation of the programme's objectives. She noted that parliamentary oversight is a powerful mechanism that must function continuously and comprehensively. ‘We must use all available tools, from committee hearings to public forecasts, to carefully monitor every dollar spent and achieve tangible results. It is important not just to know where the money went, but to understand whose lives have actually improved,’ said the Lesotho representative. The speech concluded with a call for unity and strengthened cooperation among landlocked countries so that geographical constraints cease to be an obstacle and become a foundation for sustainable development.
Azerbaijan shares sustainable development experience at Parliamentary Forum in ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone
04.08.2025During the Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development of Landlocked Countries, Sahiba Gafarova, a member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, delivered a keynote speech. She thanked the forum organisers for their warm welcome and noted the importance of parliamentary participation in the implementation of global development programmes, according to IIC. Sahiba Gafarova emphasised that parliaments have broad legislative, budgetary and control instruments that enable them to translate international commitments into concrete national actions. She also highlighted the role of parliaments as a link between the state and society, capable of conveying civil society initiatives and proposals to the authorities. In her speech, the deputy paid special attention to interparliamentary cooperation, emphasizing that it facilitates the exchange of experience and the unification of efforts at the international level to address common challenges. The delegate shared the experience of Azerbaijan, a landlocked country that has managed to turn its geographical limitations into a competitive advantage. In recent years, Azerbaijan has invested billions of dollars in the development of transport infrastructure, including international trade corridors, seaports, motorways and railway lines. Key projects include the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which has become an important part of the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, and the ‘Digital Silk Road initiative’, aimed at developing digital infrastructure and ensuring cybersecurity. Concluding her speech, the deputy stressed the need to strengthen international support for landlocked countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Civil Society Forum shapes development agenda for landlocked countries
04.08.2025The Civil Society Forum, held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), opened in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The official opening ceremony began with a welcome speech on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva addressed the participants, emphasising the importance of civil society in shaping an inclusive and sustainable development agenda. The forum paid special attention to the key role of civil society in implementing the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA), aimed at ensuring sustainable development in the LLDCs. Participants noted that the involvement of civil society organisations contributes to structural reforms, climate resilience, inclusive innovation and multilateral cooperation. At the initiative of Member States, the Conference promotes a multilateral approach, which is seen as the basis for developing a new generation of support measures. These measures are aimed at transforming the economies of LLDCs, unlocking their potential and ensuring a sustainable, stable and prosperous future.
The Civil Society Forum has started at the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone
04.08.2025Today, the Civil Society Forum, organised as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), started in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event is attended by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, as well as the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Chairman of the National Trade Union Centre, representatives of international organisations, civil society and delegates from landlocked developing countries. The Forum provides a platform for dialogue between high-level officials of States, the United Nations and other stakeholders, aimed at sharing experiences and developing effective solutions. The focus is on shaping the sustainable development agenda and implementing the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs. The main objective of the Forum is to create a productive platform for interaction between civil society, academia, business and government to identify priorities, build partnerships, demonstrate successful practices and strategies, and exchange innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of landlocked countries.
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