The third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) has commenced in Avaza, Turkmenistan.

The conference, which will run from today (August 4) to August 7, is being attended by heads of state and government from participating nations. Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the delegates at the Avaza Sports Complex, the venue of the inauguration.

In his opening remarks, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the need for coordinated efforts and support to enhance access to international competitive markets and address the challenges faced by landlocked nations.

Turkmenistan’s President Berdymukhamedov stated that the economic and social problems of landlocked developing countries should be addressed through South–South cooperation, as well as through active engagement of parliamentary forums, youth, and civil networks. Likewise, President of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis, also addressed the opening session.

The plenary session of the conference has begun at a tourist complex in Avaza. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, leading the Nepali delegation, is scheduled to address the conference today. He will also deliver a speech on behalf of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group.

On the sidelines of the conference, Prime Minister Oli will hold meetings with heads of delegations from various countries, as well as high-level officials from the United Nations and other international organizations.

Due to the lack of direct access to the sea, landlocked developing countries face significant challenges in international trade, connectivity, and economic development. As a result, this third conference in Turkmenistan is being viewed with considerable importance.