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2025 marks a turning point for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) as the Third UN Conference aims to address trade challenges, boost global partnerships, and unlock economic prospects for over 570 million people worldwide.
In August 2025, global attention will turn to Awaza, Turkmenistan—a shimmering resort on the Caspian coast better known for its tranquil beaches than for historic policy shifts. Yet from August 5 to 8, the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) will bring together heads of state, ministers, investors, and grassroots leaders from 32 diverse nations. Their mission: to reimagine the future of over 570 million people whose economic destinies are shaped by geography alone.
Landlocked, But Not Left Behind
Imagine a nation’s borders drawn tightly with no coastline in sight—a situation shared by countries as varied as Bolivia, Mongolia, and Chad. Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), despite being scattered across four continents, grapple with a common challenge: without direct access to the sea, international trade is perpetually complicated and costly. These countries must depend on neighbors with ports for export and import, often facing higher transportation expenses, bureaucratic snarls, and vulnerability to regional instability.
For LLDCs, trade costs are an ever-present burden. On average, it costs them more than double what their coastal counterparts pay to move goods in and out of their borders. Some estimates suggest shipping products to overseas markets can cost up to 74% more than the global average, taking twice as long to clear borders. Unsurprisingly, their share of world trade is a meager 1.2%—a stark gap given the untapped economic, cultural, and social potential behind those borders.
A Global Gathering in Awaza: Context and Significance
The UN’s decision to host LLDC3 in Turkmenistan is more than symbolic. Awaza’s very existence—a hub rapidly built to attract global tourism and investment—embodies the aspirations of landlocked nations eager to connect with the world. The conference arrives at a crucial time. Recent economic shocks, pandemic fallout, and shifting geopolitical relationships have highlighted both the vulnerabilities and resilience of LLDCs.
Notably, this is the third time global leaders have convened to focus exclusively on these issues. The New York and Vienna conferences of previous years sparked action, but significant barriers remain. With the international community’s eyes on Awaza, hopes are high for fresh strategies focused on technology, policy innovation, and genuine partnership.
Main Developments: What’s on the Table at LLDC3?
The agenda for LLDC3 bridges immediate needs and long-term ambitions:
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Transportation and Trade Facilitation:
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Delegates will explore ways to cut the notorious red tape and infrastructure gaps that trap goods at borders. With digital technologies—blockchain-powered customs, traceable logistics chains, and AI-driven trade logistics—on the rise, LLDCs aim to leapfrog legacy systems for more efficient, transparent trade.
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Economic Diversification:
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Many LLDCs depend heavily on a few resource-based exports. The conference will emphasize diversification through innovation, new value chains, and collaborative investments, particularly in sectors like green energy, digital services, and specialized agriculture.
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Global Partnerships:
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Attracting foreign direct investment remains an uphill battle. LLDC3 will court public and private investors with new incentives, risk-sharing frameworks, and regulatory reforms designed to make landlocked markets more appealing.
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Building Resilience:
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From climate adaptation to disaster risk reduction, LLDC representatives will share solutions for withstanding shocks that disproportionately affect their isolated economies.
Expert Insights and Voices from the Field
“Access to the sea can’t be changed, but the narrative of perpetual disadvantage can,” says Dr. Marta Solano, an economist specializing in global development. “The real innovation at LLDC3 is the platform for these nations to design solutions that are both shared and tailored. By leveraging technology—especially digital health, trade, and logistics—they can sidestep old obstacles.”
Grassroots leaders echo the call for transformation. Habiba Ndlovu, a small business owner from Malawi, says, “It’s not just about getting our goods to port; it’s about having the digital skills and infrastructure to compete in the global market. We want partners, not just aid.”
On social media, public sentiment is mixed—hopeful for new commitments, but wary after decades of slow progress. Yet experts agree: success will depend on genuine cooperation, not just goodwill.
Impact and Implications: Who Stands to Gain?
If pledges translate into action, the stakes are immense:
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For LLDCs:
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Lower trade costs, infrastructure upgrades, and economic diversification could open markets for millions, attract critical investments, and reduce unemployment and poverty.
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For Investors:
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New policies could de-risk entry and reveal prosperous opportunities often overlooked in global strategies.
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For the World:
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The sustainable development of LLDCs will support broader regional stability, reduce forced migration, and inject new dynamism into the global economy. Inclusive development benefits everyone, especially as the world aims for the SDGs by 2030.
Looking Ahead: The Road After Awaza
As the sun sets on Awaza this August, the world will watch for follow-through—not just promises. The legacy of LLDC3 could hinge on the very partnerships and innovations it champions. The ultimate goal: a future where no country’s potential is locked in by its geography.
Disclaimer : This article is informational and does not constitute investment, legal, or professional advice. All facts are based on UN and related official reports as of 2025.