The United Nations High Representative of the Least Developed Countries emphasizes the need for greater international support to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in landlocked developing countries. The Third UN Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, with the theme “Driving Progress through Partnerships.”
Thirty-two countries are classified as LLDCs, 17 of which are also designated as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), with a majority located in Africa. These countries face unique challenges due to their geographical constraints and limited integration into global trade and value chains, compounded by the effects of the pandemic, climate change, and conflict.
The lack of direct access to coastal ports results in high trade costs and delays in the movement of goods for LLDCs, prompting the need for support from transit countries and development partners. As a consequence, a significant portion of the population in LLDCs lives in poverty, experiences food insecurity, and grapples with debt distress.
The preparatory committee for the LLDC3 Conference, co-chaired by Mongolia and Austria, is working on an outcome document aimed at addressing the specific needs and aspirations of LLDCs. This document will serve as a guideline for the next decade, covering areas such as transport, trade, science, technology, innovation, and climate resilience.
The conference aims to build genuine partnerships and mobilize resources to empower LLDCs, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration from neighboring transit countries and financial institutions. Solidarity and support from the global community have been expressed, with a call for more efficient allocation of financial resources to progress toward the SDGs.
African representatives underscore the importance of addressing the challenges faced by LLDCs and their transit neighbors, calling for a transformative agenda and reaffirming the global commitment to prevent these countries from being left behind.
The conference seeks to bridge the gap between LLDCs and the broader community by engaging the media as a key partner to amplify the voices and perspectives of those most affected by its outcomes.
In conclusion, the LLDC3 Conference presents a significant opportunity for the global community to come together in support of landlocked developing countries as they strive for sustainable prosperity and progress.
IPS UN Bureau Report