Policy
A forum for women leaders was held in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025The ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone hosted the Women Leaders Forum ‘From Commitment to Change: Women Driving the LLDC 3 Programme of Action’. This was reported by the IIC. Representatives of international organisations, governments and civil society took part in the event, discussing the role of women in the sustainable development of landlocked countries. The speech by Ms Ivana Zivkovic, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Deputy Administrator of UNDP and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS, attracted particular attention. She emphasised that the equal participation of women in decision-making is a necessary condition for progress and sustainability in the face of global challenges. According to Ivana Zivkovic, UNDP will continue to support women's leadership at all levels, from national policy to community initiatives. The forum was part of a global dialogue on the implementation of the LLDC 3 Programme of Action, with a particular focus on empowering women in politics, the economy and society. Participants emphasised that only by moving from words to action can a sustainable and equitable future be ensured.
Volunteers assist in organising the UN Conference in Turkmenistan
07.08.2025During the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries taking place in Turkmenistan, over 300 student volunteers are actively involved in the organisation. This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan. The young volunteers are providing a wide range of support to foreign participants in the event, from information and advisory services to logistics coordination. They meet delegates, help them find their way around the forum venue, participate in the preparation of meetings and events, and introduce guests to the cultural traditions of Turkmenistan. According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, a significant number of volunteers are fluent in foreign languages. More than 150 students are involved in working with UN agencies, assisting with organisational tasks.
The ECO has announced its priority support for landlocked countries
07.08.2025On the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), a representative of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) spoke, highlighting the organisation's long-standing commitment to supporting such countries. This was reported by the IIC. ‘The Economic Cooperation Organisation is the only regional association in which the vast majority of members, about 70%, do not have access to the sea. We have been working with them for more than three decades, remaining a reliable partner in promoting sustainable development,’ emphasised the ECO representative. He noted that the organisation attaches particular importance to trade and economic integration, the development of transport connectivity and the formation of sustainable logistics chains. Despite the continuing challenges, the ECO is ready to expand its support instruments, seek new mechanisms to stimulate growth and deepen coordination with international partners. In the context of implementing the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034, the ECO plans to intensify work on infrastructure, logistics and investment projects aimed at unlocking the economic potential of LLDC countries.
The plenary session of the Third UN Conference continues in Avaza
07.08.2025The plenary session of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) continues in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event brought together delegations from dozens of countries, representatives of international organisations, experts and diplomats, becoming an authoritative platform for the exchange of views on sustainable development issues. This was reported by the IIC. The discussions focus on strengthening transport connectivity, expanding trade and economic cooperation, digitalisation, adaptation to climate change and the implementation of the sustainable growth agenda. Speakers emphasise the need for collective solutions and international solidarity in overcoming the structural challenges faced by LLDCs. Special attention is being paid to the Awaza Programme of Action as a strategic guideline for the period up to 2034. The document aims to improve socio-economic conditions in landlocked countries and strengthen their role in the regional and global development architecture. The holding of the forum in Turkmenistan underscores the country's active participation in international processes and its commitment to promoting constructive dialogue on priority issues of the global agenda.
African LLDCs: from geographical isolation to strategic connectivity
07.08.2025Long perceived as cut off from global economic flows, Africa’s landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) are increasingly demonstrating the potential of connected economies. Their geographical location, previously considered a limitation, is turning into a competitive advantage due to growing regional integration, digital technologies and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. In a new UNDP analytical report, ‘Africa’s Land-Linked Economies: Pathways to Prosperity and Development’, LLDCs are seen as active participants in the continent's transformation processes. The document contains recommendations for overcoming infrastructure and logistical barriers and demonstrates how digitalisation and trade liberalisation are opening up new channels for regional and global cooperation. According to Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, ‘connected economies are turning geography into a strategic asset. There is a need to move from commodity dependence to high value-added production and to strengthen investment flows to critical infrastructure.’ LLDCs in Africa already contribute significantly to export flows: diamonds (Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe), copper (Zambia), gold (Burkina Faso, Mali, CAR), coffee (Ethiopia, Uganda), sugar (Eswatini), textiles (Lesotho, Ethiopia). Zambia's average annual exports in 2013–2024 amounted to $9.3 billion, Botswana's to $6.4 billion, and Zimbabwe's to $4.5 billion. At the same time, countries such as Eswatini, Rwanda and Uganda demonstrate a high level of regional integration: more than 30% of their exports go to African markets. Transport infrastructure development remains a key factor. Examples include the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway line, which has reduced freight delivery times from 72 to 12 hours, and the construction of the Malaba-Kampala corridor in Uganda. Ethiopia is banking on its national airline as a link to global markets. Digital tools are helping LLDCs offset logistics costs. Burkina Faso is introducing digital payment systems for farmers, while blockchain solutions in Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia are speeding up customs procedures and improving compliance with export standards. As Samuel Doe, UNDP Resident Representative in Ethiopia, emphasised, ‘The move to a land-linked model allows LLDCs to act as bridges between regions rather than being dead ends for development. With the AfCFTA, they can accelerate the exchange of goods, services and data, increasing the resilience of the African economy as a whole.’ This approach is reflected in the Awaza Programme of Action 2024–2034 and is aligned with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Realising this potential requires comprehensive reforms, strategic partnerships and a focus on sustainable development.
Turkmenistan strengthens international ties at UN conference
07.08.2025The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries became a platform not only for global discussions, but also for active bilateral diplomacy. Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov held a series of productive meetings and signed important agreements expanding international cooperation. This was reported by the Orient news agency. Particular attention was paid to new agreements with African countries — protocols on political consultations were signed with Burkina Faso and Malawi. Malawi's Vice President Michael Bizwick Usi noted that this opens up prospects for financing projects in energy and infrastructure. Diplomatic relations have also been established with the Kingdom of Eswatini, agreements have been signed with Slovakia on economic cooperation, a technical assistance project for customs digitalisation and a plan to prevent extremism in Central Asia for 2025. Minister Rashid Meredov held meetings with his counterparts from Qatar, Iran and Georgia, discussing the implementation of previously reached agreements, transport and economic cooperation, and the strengthening of trade ties.
Turkmenistan and UNCTAD launch third phase of customs digitalisation
07.08.2025The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have signed a project document launching the third phase of the digitisation of Turkmenistan's customs system and the creation of a ‘smart customs’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The document provides for the introduction of modern IT solutions, process automation, increased transparency and efficiency of customs operations, as well as human resource development. The Agreement was signed in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone during a meeting between the Head of Turkmenistan's Customs Service and the UNCTAD Secretary-General, who noted the country's progress in digital transformation. This step continues the previous stages of digitalisation with the support of UNCTAD.
Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia discussed prospects for cooperation
07.08.2025On 6 August, at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, emphasising the importance of high-level visits for strengthening inter-state ties. Special attention was paid to the development of political, diplomatic, trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation within international organisations, including the UN. At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed mutual interest in further expanding their partnership based on respect and trust.
Turkmenistan and Iran discussed key issues on the bilateral agenda
07.08.2025On 6 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh Malwajerd, who arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Turkmenistan. During the negotiations, the priority areas of cooperation between the two countries in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres were discussed. The Ministers reviewed key issues on the bilateral agenda and opportunities for expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Turkmenistan and Austria emphasised the importance of neutrality policy
07.08.2025On 6 August, a meeting between Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs Sepp Schellhorn took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. The parties discussed cooperation in the political, diplomatic, trade and economic spheres, emphasising the importance of neutrality as a key principle of both countries' foreign policy. This year, Turkmenistan and Austria are celebrating anniversaries of neutrality — 30 and 70 years, respectively. Special attention was paid to the problems of landlocked countries, in particular the Second UN Conference on Landlocked Countries, held in Vienna in 2014. Current issues on the international agenda were also discussed.
The President of Armenia visited the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery
07.08.2025During a working visit to Turkmenistan, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan visited industrial and infrastructure facilities in the city of Turkmenbashi. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The Armenian President visited the Turkmenbashi Oil Refinery, where he familiarised himself with the production process — from oil extraction to finished products — and expressed interest in possible cooperation. Later, Vahagn Khachaturyan visited the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, where he was introduced to the port's capabilities and current shipbuilding and repair projects.
Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister met with UNIDO Deputy Director-General
07.08.2025On 6 August, Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov met with UNIDO Deputy Director-General Fatou Haidara. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmenistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. During the meeting, the parties discussed current cooperation and prospects for interaction within the framework of previously concluded agreements. The main focus was on industrialisation and smart city development projects, taking into account an environmentally friendly approach to industry. It was noted that the UNIDO Certificate of Appreciation awarded to the city of Arkadag is recognition of Turkmenistan's contribution to sustainable industrial development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The parties also exchanged views on upcoming joint events under the auspices of UNIDO.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
