Avaza prepares to host the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

Active preparations are underway on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), which will be held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone from August 4 to 8.

Over five days, guests and participants can expect a rich program of the international forum covering political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian aspects. The event will include business and cultural segments, thematic exhibitions, and national days of Central Asian states.

The forum will feature plenary sessions, five high-level thematic roundtables, and seven high-level forums, including a ministerial meeting on South-South cooperation, a parliamentary forum, a private sector forum, a civil society forum, a youth forum, a meeting of women leaders, and a communications event.

Additionally, accompanying activities organized by participating countries, international organizations, and the Turkmen side will focus on land transportation and communications, the International Year of Peace and Trust, youth policy, sustainable energy, and the circular economy.

The key role of parliaments, civil society, and youth

Parliaments play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability in the development and implementation of policies in landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), transit countries, and partner states. They are responsible for creating legislative frameworks to achieve the goals of the new Programme of Action for LLDCs, including simplifying trade procedures, developing infrastructure, and fostering regional cooperation.

The role of civil society is critically important for the sustainable development of LLDCs. Operating at all levels—from local initiatives to international NGOs—civil society can propose innovative solutions, mobilize support for new strategies to transform LLDC economies, and bring their priorities to global political platforms. This is a key element of a multilateral approach and the successful implementation of the future Programme of Action.

Sustainable development of LLDCs is impossible without the active participation of youth—the future leaders and driving force for change. The Avaza Conference seeks to integrate the ideas of young activists by providing them with a platform to participate in the international decision-making process.

The LLDC3 Youth Forum will give young people the opportunity to convey their unique perspectives to world leaders, helping to develop new strategies to overcome geographical barriers, stimulate economic growth, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Conference is expected to be attended by heads of 32 states, including their governments, as well as representatives of interested UN member states, the UN Secretary-General and his deputies. In addition, leaders and representatives of various international and regional organizations, legislative bodies, financial institutions, public associations, and the private sector are expected to arrive.

Holding the Conference in Avaza holds special significance as 2025 has been declared the “International Year of Peace and Trust,” and Turkmenistan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its neutrality. The meeting in the Avaza National Tourist Zone aims to be a platform for finding effective solutions and establishing partnerships. Its goal is to help landlocked developing countries overcome existing challenges and fully realize their potential, providing them with a more equitable and prosperous future.