Oriented on making people closer

The closing press conference on the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) was held in Avaza. Rabab Fatima, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, summarized the outcomes of the four-day forum, calling it the most ambitious and large-scale event in the history of LLDCs.

Avaza: A Symbol of New Opportunities

Rabab Fatima expressed her deep gratitude to the government of Turkmenistan for its exceptional hospitality and excellent organization, which, in her words, "set a new standard for international cooperation." She noted that the name "Avaza," once associated with health, recreation, and tourism, now also symbolizes "new hope and new opportunities" for the 600 million people living in landlocked countries. The conference demonstrated that despite geographical constraints, these countries possess immense potential.

The scale of the conference was truly impressive:

— Over 5,700 participants from 103 countries.

— Attendance from 30 of the 32 LLDCs.

— Participation of 16 heads of government, 3 vice presidents, and 108 ministers.

— Active involvement of over 450 representatives from NGOs and youth, who shaped the discussions.

New Initiatives and Financial Support

The forum resulted in a number of key decisions and commitments that will provide a powerful impetus for the implementation of the Avaza Programme of Action—a new, bold vision for sustainable development.

Among the key outcomes were:

The first-ever International Day for Landlocked Developing Countries was recognized;

The creation of a new negotiating group on climate within the framework of the UNFCCC was announced.

The Global Business Network for LLDCs was launched.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank pledged to invest $10 billion in LLDC infrastructure.

Rabab Fatima also highlighted several interesting initiatives presented by Turkmenistan in the fields of circular economy, sustainable transport, and medicine.

From Words to Actions: What's Next?

According to the High Representative, the success of the Avaza Programme depends on the efforts of all stakeholders. Her office will now lead coordination within the UN system, but:

Governments must incorporate the conference's commitments into national policies.

Parliamentarians must ensure budget funding.

The private sector must invest in sustainable supply chains.

Civil society and youth must actively participate in national development.

In conclusion, Rabab Fatima stressed that the conference's legacy will be judged not by words, but by the real transformations it brings to the lives of 600 million people. The Avaza forum, she said, was a starting point for action: «Not only with new ideas, but with new infrastructure. Not only with ambitions, but with actions».

ORIENT

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