The UN's promise for landlocked developing countries

The UN's promise for landlocked developing countries

This year, Turkmenistan’s coastal city of Awaza hosted the once-in-a-decade United Nations conference dedicated to the needs and opportunities of the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries. More than two decades after the first such meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan, global leaders gather again to strengthen partnerships, boost connectivity, and unlock economic potential.

In this report:

- The arrival of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and other heads of state;

- High-level meetings with Turkmenistan’s national leader and Central Asian presidents;

- Key speeches from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and national leaders;

- Discussions on sustainable development, transport corridors, and digital transformation;

- Inspiring examples - from Morocco’s sea-access initiatives to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s $10B portfolio in Central Asia;

- Cultural exhibitions showcasing Central Asia’s traditions and heritage.