On the pages of world media: Third UN conference on landlocked countries in Turkmenistan

The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was successfully held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone from August 5 to 8, 2025.

The forum has become an important international platform for the discussion of current issues by representatives of 32 landlocked countries. In the context of globalization and a changing world economy, the topic of development and integration of these states is of particular importance.

The Conference adopted the Avaza Programme of Action for developing countries for 2024–2034, which defines the strategic direction of their development for the next decade, as well as the Avaza Political Declaration. These documents represent international recognition of the problems specific to LLDCs and offer specific solutions aimed at developing infrastructure, trade relations, increasing resilience to climate change, and mobilizing financial resources.

This major UN event, which took place in our country, was widely covered by the world media.

As reported by the website of the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan, the agenda of the Conference included issues related to strengthening mutual transport links and simplification of trade operations, economic reforms, increasing resilience to climate change, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As noted on the pages of the international news agency Kazinform, the main goal of the Conference is to discuss ways to solve the structural and logistical problems of developing countries that do not have access to the sea, as well as to determine the directions for using their economic and transit potential.

The Forum participants discussed issues of expanding cooperation and comprehensive approaches to solving humanitarian, economic, social and environmental problems faced by landlocked states. As reported by the website of the Chinese news agency Xinhua, following the Conference, the Avaza Action Plan for 2034 was adopted, which is a specific plan to deepen cooperation and create conditions for sustainable development of the countries of the Global South.

The Turkish news agency Anadolu reports that the main goal of the Conference is to help unlock the potential of landlocked countries by expanding cooperation, developing innovative solutions, strengthening strategic partnerships and attracting investment.

The holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan coincided with the 30th anniversary of our Fatherland gaining legal status of neutrality. This gave the event a special diplomatic significance. As noted by « EU Reporter ”, the organization of the Conference in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza” is logical: Turkmenistan strives to turn its advantageous geographical position into a strategic advantage by developing transport corridors and infrastructure projects.

« EU Reporter also emphasizes that “Turkmenistan, being a bridge between Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, plays an important role in strengthening regional ties and promoting sustainable development.”

The websites of the Mir TV channel and AzVision.az state that "The policy of neutrality allows Turkmenistan to serve as a platform for effective dialogue." This creates favorable conditions for discussing the economic, social and environmental problems of landlocked countries.

Turkmenistan is actively implementing projects to diversify the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi International Sea Port, develop transport routes in the North-South and East-West directions, and expand international cooperation in the transport and logistics sector. These initiatives help landlocked developing countries reduce the cost of transporting goods and increase their competitiveness in the global economy.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed the importance of economic diversification in landlocked countries, investment in high-value-added sectors and digital transformation.

“Landlocked countries have enormous untapped potential. We must develop digital infrastructure and ensure equal access to technology, especially for women,” said Antonio Guterres, according to News Central Asia ».

In addition, the Conference discussed transport and transit issues. The Avaza Action Programme places special emphasis on the development of sustainable transport corridors, simplification of customs procedures and digitalization of logistics.

The Forum also emphasized the importance of creating integrated transport systems and developing regional cooperation, which will help reduce transit costs and expand access to international markets.

Building resilience to climate change is also an important issue. The Conference decided to establish a Landlocked States Group under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This will help coordinate efforts and attract financial resources.

“Central Asian countries have young populations and huge demographic potential, which opens up huge opportunities for economic development if investments are made in education, health and women’s empowerment,” Florence Bauer, regional director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), told News Central Asia.

As noted on the pages of the publication “Newscentralasia.net”, in developing countries without access to the sea, the participation of women in public administration and the economy is increasing.

Experts also stressed the need to strengthen social networks and expand access to services, which is one of the main conditions for sustainable development.

The press also draws attention to the trilateral meeting held within the framework of the Conference between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov.

The online publication “News Central Asia” reports that “Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized that this format of cooperation between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has already been established and should continue on a regular basis in accordance with the demands of the times.”

The State News Agency "Azertag" reports that "during the first meeting in a trilateral format, issues of developing cultural, humanitarian and economic cooperation were discussed. Mutual interest was expressed in further expanding strategic cooperation in the transport, logistics and energy sectors as priority areas of the economic sphere."

The holding of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan marks the recognition of our country as a neutral and reliable partner in international affairs.

As noted on the pages of AzVision.az, this confirms the growing role of Turkmenistan in promoting peace, sustainable development and regional integration.

“The choice of Avaza as the venue for the Conference confirms Turkmenistan’s ambition to become a hub for international cooperation and dialogue, supporting the development of landlocked states,” writes EU Reporter.

In addition, the Conference contributed to strengthening the international authority of Turkmenistan as a country capable of hosting large-scale international events and actively participating in solving global problems.

Thus, the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was an important step in the global efforts to address the geographical and economic challenges faced by these countries. The adoption of the Avaza Programme of Action and the Avaza Political Declaration set a clear development plan for the next ten years.

The pages of the world media emphasize that the successful implementation of these initiatives largely depends on international solidarity, reform of the financial architecture, exchange of technologies and active involvement of the private sector in this activity.

Turkmenistan, as a peacekeeping neutral country, significantly strengthens its position in the international arena, making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of landlocked states.

Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan