Parliamentarians Discuss Legislative Measures to Support Landlocked Developing Countries
On the eve of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC-3), a Parliamentary Forum was held in Awaza. The event brought together parliamentarians, representatives of the UN, international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
The forum opened with a high-level segment featuring delegates from the Parliament of Turkmenistan, the Office of the High Representative for the LLDCs (OHRLLS), the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the President of the UN General Assembly.
Participants focused on strengthening the role of parliaments in advancing the Awaza Programme of Action, which succeeded the Vienna Programme of Action. Discussions covered challenges and lessons learned from the implementation of the Vienna Programme, emphasizing the need to enhance parliamentary functions in legislation, oversight, budgeting, and representation to address pressing issues such as debt burdens, resource shortages, and climate change.
One session addressed the importance of parliamentary involvement in shaping a multilateral trading system that supports LLDCs. Participants highlighted the need to develop legislative frameworks that promote digital trade and increase the integration of LLDCs into global supply chains amid economic instability.
Another session was devoted to the role of peace, trust, and accountable governance in achieving sustainable development. Special attention was given to parliamentary inclusivity, including increasing the representation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups, as well as the potential of parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen cooperation between LLDCs and neighboring countries.
The forum concluded with a call to action outlining concrete steps to integrate the priorities of the Awaza Programme of Action into the core functions of national parliaments. The final declaration will be presented at the closing plenary of LLDC-3 and included in the conference’s final report.
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