International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries 2025; August 6th.

 

FORUM: “Driving Progress through Partnership.” International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries 2025. We are at a pivotal moment. LLDCs are home to over 600 million people who face compounded challenges due to lack of sea access, geographical isolation, and trade costs that are 30% higher than those of coastal countries. Without direct access to maritime trade routes, LLDCs are heavily dependent on neighboring transit countries—many of which are developing economies themselves—for their connection to the global economy. The consequences are stark; The Transport delays and high costs undermine economic growth and food security. The Export opportunities diminish while foreign investment dwindles. Over 40% of urban LLDC populations live in slums, and rates of undernourishment are more than twice the global average. The 16 of the 32 LLDCs are also classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), facing overlapping vulnerabilities. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #6August, #LLDC3, #Landlockeddevelopingcountriesday, #LLDC3, #DrivingprogressthroughPartnership, #LLDCs.

EVENTS: On August 6th, we celebrate the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries 2025. This year mark the first-ever observance. This year’s observance takes place alongside preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (2025), a platform to renew international commitment to the Vienna Programme of Action and to build inclusive strategies that leave no country behind. Geography must not define destiny. On this inaugural International Day, let us renew our resolve to ensure that every nation—regardless of location—can access opportunities, dignity, and sustainable development. Register to participate! 

From 5 to 8 August 2025; The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, or LLDC3, (Awaza, Turkmenistan) presents a vital opportunity to forge meaningful partnerships that unlock the potential of LLDCs. Through innovative solutions, strategic collaboration, and targeted investment, the global community can help overcome the unique challenges these countries face. By supporting these countries, we can help to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Watch the Press Conference: OHRLLS, Host Country, LLDC Chair (LLDC3) and Register to participate!

STATEMENTS: “Breaking down barriers and restoring fairness in global development should be the goal of the LLDC3’’, Secretary-General António Guterres says at its opening of the UN conference on landlocked nations in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

LIVESTREAM: This event is convened in accordance with the United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted on 25 July 2025, proclaiming 6 August as the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries.

Speakers:

• Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
• Rabab Fatima, Secretary-General of the Conference and UN Under-Secretary-General for OHRLLS
• Diego Pacheco Balanza, Chair of the Group of LLDCs & PR of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to the UN

Moderated by May Yaacoub, Spokesperson, LLDC3 Conference

Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), lacking direct sea access, face hurdles in trade, connectivity, and development. Without coastal ports, they rely on transit nations, causing higher trade costs and delays. Despite challenges, LLDCs host vibrant communities with untapped potential.

The Third UN Conference on LLDCs offers a chance to explore solutions and forge partnerships, addressing challenges and unlocking their full potential for a more equitable and prosperous future.