The Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, also known as LLDC3, will focus on finding innovative solutions and forming strategic partnerships to unlock the potential of these nations. This conference will take place from 10-13 December.
Here are the key points to know about LLDCs and the plans for this year’s conference:
LLDCs are countries that do not have direct access to the sea, making it difficult for them to engage in international trade, connectivity, and economic development. The UN Office for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS) reports that the average distance of LLDCs to the seaport is about 851 miles.
As a result, LLDCs are forced to rely on neighboring transit countries for access to international markets, resulting in higher transportation costs and delays in the movement of goods. This dependency can also leave them vulnerable to political and economic instability in transit countries.
The challenges faced by LLDCs often lead to reduced foreign direct investment, limited export opportunities, and slower economic growth. There are 32 LLDCs located in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America, including countries like Afghanistan, Botswana, Ethiopia, and Paraguay. Ethiopia is the largest LLDC with a population of around 115 million, while Bhutan is the smallest with fewer than one million people.
The OHRLLS reports that about 40% of the population in LLDCs live in slums and nearly half of the countries experience severe food crises. Additionally, the working populations in LLDCs earn an average of $1,500 annually, significantly lower than the global average of $11,000 annually.
The LLDC conferences were initiated by the international community, particularly the UN, to address the unique challenges faced by landlocked countries. The first conference took place in 2003 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and focused on improving transit cooperation and trade facilitation. The second conference was held in Vienna, Austria in 2014 and aimed to evaluate the progress made since the first conference and develop a new partnership framework for the next decade.
The theme for the Third UN Conference on LLDCs is “Driving Progress through Partnerships.” Rabab Fatima, the Under Secretary-General and High Representative for LLDCs, emphasizes the importance of partnerships for the accelerated advancement of LLDCs. She believes that collaboration with international organizations, the private sector, and neighboring countries is essential for the development of integrated transportation networks, enhanced trade, and sharing of best practices to overcome the challenges faced by LLDCs and achieve sustainable development.
Gladys Mokhawa, the Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN for LLDC3, describes this year’s conference as a historic moment as it is the first one to be held in Africa. She believes that Botswana is ready to offer its unique hospitality and provide a platform for shaping a transformative decade of action for LLDCs.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Botswana, Zia Choudhury, is excited about hosting the conference and believes that it is essential to have a diverse range of participants, including government officials and members of youth organizations. He hopes that the conference will result in the creation of the Gaborone Programme of Action, a 10-year plan outlining the actions that LLDCs and their partners will take to overcome the structural challenges faced by these countries. Mr. Choudhury also encourages young people to hold governments and other players accountable for implementing the plan and sees them as key players in the future development of LLDCs in Africa and around the world.