Policy
Russia strengthens partnerships with landlocked countries at forum in Avaza
04.08.2025At the parliamentary forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone, a representative of the Russian Federation announced Moscow's readiness to support global partnership and integration. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Russia positions itself as an open and reliable partner, offering to use its large-scale logistics projects, including its successful experience of cooperation with Kazakhstan in the transport sector. ‘Russia is at your disposal. We are ready for dialogue, joint projects, the development of new routes and partnerships,’ emphasised the representative of the Russian delegation. Thus, support for landlocked countries has become an important part of Russia's foreign policy aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive global economy.
The UN emphasised the role of parliaments at the forum in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025At the Parliamentary Forum in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone ahead of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), The President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philémon Yunji Yang, emphasised the key role of parliaments in achieving sustainable development. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, it is parliaments that translate international commitments into concrete results, form the legislative basis for infrastructure development, innovation and regional integration, and play an important role in the climate agenda. In particular, the President of the 79th General Assembly referred to the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed the legal obligation of States to protect the climate. Y. Yang also noted the importance of parliamentary control and budgetary oversight, as well as their role in communicating with society to raise awareness and engage local communities.
In Avaza, parliamentarians examined key factors for sustainable development
04.08.2025A representative of the Parliament of Lesotho addressed the Parliamentary Forum of Landlocked Countries, expressing strong determination to accelerate the implementation of the Awaza Programme. In her speech, she emphasised the importance of parliamentary oversight and legislative initiative as key instruments for achieving sustainable development, according to the IIC. According to her, parliamentary committees are actively conducting investigations and drafting bills aimed at the effective implementation of the programme's objectives. She noted that parliamentary oversight is a powerful mechanism that must function continuously and comprehensively. ‘We must use all available tools, from committee hearings to public forecasts, to carefully monitor every dollar spent and achieve tangible results. It is important not just to know where the money went, but to understand whose lives have actually improved,’ said the Lesotho representative. The speech concluded with a call for unity and strengthened cooperation among landlocked countries so that geographical constraints cease to be an obstacle and become a foundation for sustainable development.
Azerbaijan shares sustainable development experience at Parliamentary Forum in ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone
04.08.2025During the Parliamentary Forum on Sustainable Development of Landlocked Countries, Sahiba Gafarova, a member of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, delivered a keynote speech. She thanked the forum organisers for their warm welcome and noted the importance of parliamentary participation in the implementation of global development programmes, according to IIC. Sahiba Gafarova emphasised that parliaments have broad legislative, budgetary and control instruments that enable them to translate international commitments into concrete national actions. She also highlighted the role of parliaments as a link between the state and society, capable of conveying civil society initiatives and proposals to the authorities. In her speech, the deputy paid special attention to interparliamentary cooperation, emphasizing that it facilitates the exchange of experience and the unification of efforts at the international level to address common challenges. The delegate shared the experience of Azerbaijan, a landlocked country that has managed to turn its geographical limitations into a competitive advantage. In recent years, Azerbaijan has invested billions of dollars in the development of transport infrastructure, including international trade corridors, seaports, motorways and railway lines. Key projects include the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which has become an important part of the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, and the ‘Digital Silk Road initiative’, aimed at developing digital infrastructure and ensuring cybersecurity. Concluding her speech, the deputy stressed the need to strengthen international support for landlocked countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the 2030 Agenda.
Civil Society Forum shapes development agenda for landlocked countries
04.08.2025The Civil Society Forum, held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), opened in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The official opening ceremony began with a welcome speech on behalf of the Government of Turkmenistan. Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva addressed the participants, emphasising the importance of civil society in shaping an inclusive and sustainable development agenda. The forum paid special attention to the key role of civil society in implementing the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA), aimed at ensuring sustainable development in the LLDCs. Participants noted that the involvement of civil society organisations contributes to structural reforms, climate resilience, inclusive innovation and multilateral cooperation. At the initiative of Member States, the Conference promotes a multilateral approach, which is seen as the basis for developing a new generation of support measures. These measures are aimed at transforming the economies of LLDCs, unlocking their potential and ensuring a sustainable, stable and prosperous future.
The Civil Society Forum has started at the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone
04.08.2025Today, the Civil Society Forum, organised as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), started in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event is attended by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, as well as the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Chairman of the National Trade Union Centre, representatives of international organisations, civil society and delegates from landlocked developing countries. The Forum provides a platform for dialogue between high-level officials of States, the United Nations and other stakeholders, aimed at sharing experiences and developing effective solutions. The focus is on shaping the sustainable development agenda and implementing the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs. The main objective of the Forum is to create a productive platform for interaction between civil society, academia, business and government to identify priorities, build partnerships, demonstrate successful practices and strategies, and exchange innovative solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of landlocked countries.
Parliamentary Forum in Avaza for sustainable future of landlocked countries
04.08.2025Rabab Fatima, High Representative of the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), delivered a speech at the Parliamentary Forum. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan for organizing the event, IIC reports. The speeches emphasised that the problems of landlocked countries go beyond geographical factors. They are linked to limited transport accessibility, a narrow export base, high trade costs and shrinking fiscal space. - For example, the least developed countries account for 70% of the world's population, while the European part accounts for only 1%. At the same time, their trade costs are on average 30% higher than those of coastal states, Rabab Fatima noted. She stressed that parliaments can play a key role in implementing the new Programme of Action - from transport infrastructure to education, from trade to energy.
Youth forum opens in Turkmenistan as part of UN Conference
04.08.2025The Youth Forum, held as part of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3), has opened at the conference centre of the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the news resource Turkmenportal. The event is attended by high-ranking representatives of UN member states, UN organisations, as well as active young people – members of the Youth Advisory Group and leaders of youth movements. The forum aims to highlight the key role of young people in the development of landlocked countries. Today, these countries face particular challenges, such as the effects of climate change, transport constraints and infrastructure shortages. However, it is young people, who make up about 58% of the population of these countries, who offer unique opportunities for innovation and economic growth. By 2030, this group could exceed 140 million people, making their participation in decision-making strategically important. The LLDC 3 Youth Forum is becoming an important platform for dialogue between countries, their development partners and the younger generation, whose ideas and energy can set new trajectories for sustainable development.
Parliamentary forum in Avaza: new agenda for landlocked countries
04.08.2025A parliamentary forum dedicated to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries opened in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event brought together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss the role of legislative bodies in implementing the new Awaza Programme of Action (APoA), IIC reports. The forum is attended by representatives of national parliaments, international organisations, academia, civil society and business. Key partners include the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), confirming the high status of the meeting. The aim of the forum is to develop parliamentary recommendations and mechanisms for the effective implementation of the APoA, as well as to discuss challenges and opportunities for landlocked countries. The forum programme includes a high-level segment and interactive panel discussions, where participants will exchange experiences and discuss the integration of APoA priorities into the legislative and oversight activities of parliaments.
Vice President of Malawi welcomed in Turkmenistan
04.08.2025Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Michael Bizwick Usi arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3) held in the National Tourist Zone ‘Avaza’. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The forum is discussing issues of transport connectivity, digital integration and sustainable growth of landlocked countries. The participation of the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi underscores the country's commitment to international cooperation and addressing common challenges. The LLDC 3 conference aims to develop coordinated measures to integrate these countries into the global economy. The result will be the Awaza Programme of Action until 2034.
The Prime Minister of Uganda arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in LLDC 3
04.08.2025Prime Minister of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja arrived in Turkmenistan to participate in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news agency Orient. She was met at Turkmenbashi International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister Hojamyrat Geldimyradov. Ms. Nabbanja is expected to deliver a message from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The conference is dedicated to finding solutions for the socio-economic development of landlocked countries. Previous forums were held in Vienna (2014) and Almaty (2003). Today, the LLDC group includes 32 countries: 15 in Africa, 12 in Asia, 2 in Europe and 2 in South America.
UN High Representative expresses gratitude to Turkmenistan
04.08.2025The UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima, thanked the government of Turkmenistan for hosting the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC 3). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In a post on her social media page, the UN representative expressed her ‘deep appreciation to the Government of Turkmenistan for its outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment and generous hospitality.’ The flag-raising ceremony to mark the start of the conference took place on 3 August in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. The event was attended by Rabab Fatima and Turkmenistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov. The UN flag was solemnly raised alongside the national flag of Turkmenistan. According to the UN High Representative, this gesture symbolised the unity, solidarity and shared commitment of the 32 countries participating in the forum. In her remarks, Rabab Fatima emphasised the importance of consolidating efforts to promote the interests of landlocked countries and expressed her gratitude to the conference partners for their efforts.
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