The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) is being held in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. Delegates have gathered to discuss ways to overcome geographical barriers hindering the development of these countries. This was reported by the news agency Orient.

Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov shared information about national initiatives to strengthen international cooperation in the fields of ecology and health, including the problem of the drying up of the Aral Sea and the shallowing of the Caspian Sea.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that geography should not determine destiny, and that the current global economic system only exacerbates inequality and marginalisation of LLDCs. The UN Secretary-General called for a new decade of ambition based on the Awaza Programme of Action.

UN General Assembly President Philémon Yang recalled the deadlines for the 2030 Agenda and announced the establishment of an International Day for Awareness of LLDC Issues on 6 August.

President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Lok Bahadur Thapa called the conference a turning point, noting the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable transport. He reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the programme, including the food security and climate goals.

The main message of the forum was to transform the vulnerability of landlocked countries into opportunities for development.