The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) officially opened in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza” on the Caspian coast of Turkmenistan, according to CentralasianLIGHT.org.
The ceremony was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov; UN Secretary-General António Guterres; President of the 79th UN General Assembly session, Philemon Yang; heads and members of participating delegations; representatives of international organizations; and media.
Opening the event, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the historic significance of hosting the forum on the Caspian coast during the International Year of Peace and Trust — a UN initiative spearheaded by Turkmenistan. He expressed gratitude for the confidence and respect shown toward his country, as well as for the joint efforts in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UNGA President Philemon Yang also delivered remarks, highlighting the symbolic timing of the conference — during the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the 80th anniversary of the UN’s founding. They praised the high level of organization of the event.
The opening ceremony featured addresses by heads of participating states. As part of the conference, several high-level roundtables, forums, and meetings are being held on issues relevant to LLDCs.
On the same day, António Guterres officially announced the election of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov as Chair of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
In his keynote address, President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the strategic importance of the forum in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Agenda and the Pact for the Future. He called for comprehensive approaches to addressing the humanitarian, economic, social, and environmental challenges facing LLDCs.
He also spotlighted Turkmenistan’s social policy, which prioritizes the protection of citizens, development of human potential, and access to quality healthcare. During the conference, Turkmenistan introduced a new international initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among landlocked nations.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 5, 2025