Third UN Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries Begins in Turkmenistan, PM Oli to Address Today

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Kathmandu: The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) officially commenced on August 5 in Awaza, Turkmenistan. Running through August 8, the conference has brought together heads of state and government to address the unique challenges faced by landlocked nations.

The opening ceremony, held at the Sports Complex in Awaza, featured welcome remarks by Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Vice President of the Government of Turkmenistan, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. In his address, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation and coordination to improve landlocked countries’ access to global markets and to remove barriers to development.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow highlighted the importance of tackling economic and social challenges through South-South cooperation and greater involvement of parliamentary forums, youth, and civil society. Philemon Yunji, President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, also delivered a statement during the session.

The conference’s plenary session is underway at the Awaza Tourist Building, where Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, leading the Nepali delegation, is scheduled to deliver an address later today. He is also expected to speak on behalf of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) group.

During the event, Prime Minister Oli is set to hold bilateral meetings with fellow heads of delegation, UN officials, and representatives of international organizations.

This high-level conference comes at a critical juncture for LLDCs, which continue to face significant hurdles in international trade, connectivity, and sustainable development due to their lack of direct access to seaports.

Prime Minister Oli is accompanied by First Lady Radhika Shakya; Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal; Member of Parliament Surya Bahadur Thapa Chhetri; Principal Personal Secretary Rajesh Bajracharya; Personal Physician Prof. Dr. Divya Singh Shah; and Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, among other officials.

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