Geography should not define fate: The United Nations Summit opens to non -coastal countries in Turkmenistan

Urging global leaders to rethink the development of non -coastal countries, the United Nations President announced:Today we meet to reaffirm an essential fact: Geography should never determine fate.“

According to the United Nations Development Program, from 32 developing non -coastal countries (LLDCS) all over the world, 16 in Africa, 10 in Asia, four in Europe, and two in Latin America. Together, they are home to more than 500 million people.

Commercial barriers, debt tightness, and deep inequality

Mr. Guxres explained the “hard challenges” that continues LLDCS in the face of – high -end barriers against trade, high transportation costs, and limited access to global markets. He warned that the burden of the debts of these countries had reached “dangerous and non -sustainable levels.”

Although LLDCS accounts for seven percent of the world’s population, it is just more than one percent of economic production and global trade. “This is a blatant example of the deep inequality that perpetuates marginalization,” said the Secretary -General, and this is attributed to “unjust global economic and financial architecture that does not reflect the facts of the interconnected world today,” as well as to the legacy of colonialism.

Contract of ambition: AWAZA Work Program

The task before the conference, known as the name LLDC3 And running in Awaza until Friday, is to find solutions to these challenges.

“LLDC3 revolves around the launch of a new contract of ambition – through Awaza work program And handing it over “Opening the entire development capabilities for non -coastal developing countries,” said Mr. Guterres.

It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2024, the action plan represents this renewed and strengthened global commitment to support LLDCS development aspirations.

Success for everyone

“The success of the non -coastal developing countries is necessary for success 2030 agendaandMr. Guterres stressed.

“We have knowledge, we have tools … Together, we can transform geography from a barrier to a bridge – not only markets, but peoples and cultures that give meaning to development.”

Talk to the correspondents Later, Mr. Guterres stressed that the conference reflects a new era of cooperation throughout Central Asia – one based on mutual trust, common priorities, and increasing regional solidarity.

“While multilateral cooperation is tested, this spirit of partnership is more important than ever,” he said.

Regional challenges and global solidarity

I opened the session with a welcome from The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimohamamdoufouf, who highlighted national initiatives to enhance international cooperation in the field of health care, climate, and environmental protection.

It also drew attention to regional challenges such as drying the Arral Sea and the levels of water falling in the Caspian Sea, the largest collection of closed water in the world and preparing for the third United Nations Conference.

He has commentsAnd President of the General Assembly Philémon Yang referred to “the deadline that is close to the 2030 business schedule,” and called for decisive measures and renewed commitment to multiple and founding values.

He emphasized that the three columns of Charter – Peace, development and human dignity must remain at the heart of all efforts, and these actions must reflect the promise not to leave anyone.

Noting that LLDCS is presented to climate change and structural challenges, Mr. Yang said that these countries “should never lack opportunities, prosperity or hope”, called for international solidarity, investment in infrastructure, and practical awareness of freedom of transport.

He also announced that the General Assembly announced on August 6 as the International Day of Awareness in non -coastal developing countries, which are observed annually.

He said: “The General Assembly will continue to serve as a global platform to support these countries,” with a focus on the importance of monitoring the Awaza program to work and prepare for its high -level review in 2029.

Convert weakness into an opportunity

It also addresses the opening session, Luke Bakdour Thaba, President of the United Nations Economic and Social CouncilLLDC3 said it is a “pivotal moment” for the 32 coastal town that strives to overcome structural barriers in front of development.

He descends from Nepal, which is not coastal and less developed, and confirmed that Awaza should be a “bold, ambitious, implemented, and directed program” to convert weakness into an opportunity for more than 570 million people.

Mr. Thaba emphasized the urgency of “increasing complexity, size and urgency” challenges facing LLDCS, including debt distress, climate effects, and infrastructure gaps. Mr. Thaba urged the creation of an investment in the LLDCS infrastructure, as well as the financing of the curved climate, the increase in the resources, and the transportation of accelerated technology.

He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable transport, and praised the Commission for Turkmenistan, and stressed the commitment of Ecosoc again to apply for the AWAZA program to work – pledge to integrate LLDC priorities such as food security, youth empowerment and climate flexibility through all discussions and environmental processes.

LLDC3 will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, August 6, with round materials and events on a set of topics, including communication and transportation, cooperation between the south and south, and the participation of youth and more. Find all our coverage here.