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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.
UNCTAD Secretary-General delivers statement at forum in Turkmenistan
06.08.2025At a round table in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, organised as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), the keynote speech was delivered by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. She stressed that such countries face transport costs that are on average 50% higher than in the rest of the world, and that import delivery takes about 42 days, compared to 20 days in coastal states. This hinders their participation in global supply chains and slows economic growth. Grynspan also noted the successes in the development of regional cooperation, in particular the 150% increase in transit through the ‘Middle Corridor’ in Central Asia over the year and the promotion of a free trade area in Africa. She paid particular attention to the new Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034, calling it an important strategic document whose implementation requires political will and international support. Her speech was central to the discussion on ways to strengthen the trade potential of landlocked countries, with an emphasis on infrastructure development, digitalisation and regional integration.
The future of landlocked countries was discussed at the Avaza Private Sector Forum
06.08.2025Today, the Private Sector Forum, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), continued its work in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by TDH. The thematic session ‘LLDC Growth Opportunities,’ organised jointly with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), discussed measures to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth in these countries through the effective use of their potential in a rapidly changing global economy. Particular attention was paid to investments in sustainable and environmentally friendly industries that stimulate economic growth, economic diversification and job creation. UNIDO plays a key role in this area by supporting the development of ‘green’ industries in landlocked countries. Experts emphasised that energy accessibility is the foundation of any development. The introduction of renewable energy sources, energy-saving technologies and innovative solutions not only ensures economic growth but also reduces the negative impact on the environment. The private sector is seen as the main driver of these transformations, capable of accelerating the implementation of reforms and attracting the necessary investments.
Avaza developed recommendations to expand trade opportunities for the LLDC
06.08.2025On 6 August, within the framework of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a high-level roundtable meeting was held on the issues of using the potential of trade, simplifying trade procedures and deepening regional integration as key factors for sustainable development, TDH reports. The event, organised by the UN Secretariat in cooperation with the Government of Turkmenistan, brought together representatives of governments, international organisations, the business community, experts and relevant institutions. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities facing LLDCs in the current global economy. The main goal of the discussion was to develop comprehensive recommendations aimed at expanding trade opportunities, developing infrastructure and increasing competitiveness in line with the priorities of the Awaza Programme of Action. The role of regional integration in enhancing the trade potential of the LLDCs was a key topic of discussion. Participants emphasised that the creation of interconnected transport and logistics corridors, the harmonisation of the regulatory framework and the strengthening of economic ties between neighbouring states contribute to reducing transit barriers and accelerating trade development. Special attention was paid to the formation of sustainable cooperation with transit countries, international financial structures and development institutions. It was noted that joint projects on infrastructure development and the introduction of modern logistics technologies play a decisive role in increasing export opportunities and strengthening the economic stability of landlocked countries. The participants of the round table confirmed the need for active cooperation with the WTO, regional trade associations and international partners to adapt global trade rules to the needs of developing countries and implement joint initiatives for sustainable development.
Avaza discussed digital connectivity as a driver of development for landlocked countries
06.08.2025Today, in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), an event was held on the theme ‘Connectivity Track: Digital Potential Beyond Boundaries’. This was reported by TDH. The forum was organised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for the Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The forum was attended by representatives of developing countries, international organisations such as the UN, major financial institutions, the private sector and civil society. The forum provided a unique platform for the international community to reaffirm its commitments under the Awaza Programme of Action to support landlocked countries. One of the main topics of discussion was the role of digital technologies in the development of countries facing geographical challenges. Speakers emphasised that digital connectivity is a key factor for inclusive and sustainable economic development in the 21st century. Modern growth-oriented export strategies place particular emphasis on services, including the technological modernisation of agriculture and industry. Accessible and reliable digital connectivity is essential for these areas to function effectively. Particular attention was paid to improving connectivity to digital infrastructure, expanding access to technological innovation, developing national digital strategies, and supporting effective digital connectivity and creating an enabling legal environment. In conclusion, it was emphasised that the successful implementation of these tasks requires global and sustainable connectivity, supported by the necessary investment and international cooperation. The forum participants were also presented with the Partner2Connect initiatives and the investment programmes of the International Telecommunication Union in the field of digital infrastructure.
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