Oriented on making people closer

Ashgabat, 22 July | ORIENT. The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), to be held in Avaza from 5 to 8 August 2025, will present a number of strategic activities under the Avaza Action Agenda (AAA). Of these, three sessions will focus on critical aspects of LLDC development: integration into global trade, agricultural transformation and attracting investment in infrastructure.

Integration into Global Trade: Tools and Potential

A high-level special event on LLDCs’ integration into the multilateral trading system will be held on 5 August. This session will highlight the call of the Avaza Action Agenda to create an enabling environment for international trade, helping LLDCs overcome the challenges they face due to their landlocked status.

The discussion will bring together LLDCs, WTO members, trade experts and development organizations to examine existing tools, gaps and potential for multilateral trade solutions targeting these countries.

Transforming Agriculture: Research and Innovation

On August 6, the focus will be on the establishment of Regional Agricultural Research Centers (RARC-LLDCs). Agricultural growth is recognized to be two to four times more effective in reducing poverty than growth in other sectors, contributing significantly to higher rural incomes and decent employment.

The event will highlight how digitalization, innovation and AI can help LLDCs modernize their agri-food systems and reduce their dependence on imports.

The Avaza Action Agenda calls for improved access to agricultural research and the promotion of agroecological practices, as well as the establishment of such centers tailored to the needs of LLDCs. These centers are designed to overcome structural barriers, increase value addition and ensure food security and sustainable agricultural development, contributing to the achievement of SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Infrastructure Financing - Transport, Energy, ICT

On the same day, August 6, another high-level special event will focus on infrastructure investment and financing for LLDCs. These countries face significant infrastructure gaps (transport, energy, ICT), which increase trade and investment costs.

The Avaza Action Agenda calls on the UN Secretary-General to consider establishing an infrastructure investment facility (IFI) based on existing resources. The session will take stock of the LLDC Ministerial meeting at the Financing for Development Forum, discussing partnerships that could bring together ideas, financing and action to deliver the necessary infrastructure investment.

These events within the framework of the UN Conference in Avaza highlight the international community’s commitment to helping LLDCs overcome geographic and economic barriers, promoting their sustainable development and integration into the global economy.

Photo: depositphotos.com