A ministerial meeting on South-South cooperation was held in Turkmenistan’s National Tourist Zone “Avaza” as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). The event focused on advancing science, technology, and innovation to drive economic transformation and digital development in LLDCs, reports TDH.
UN Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, LLDCs, and Small Island Developing States, highlighted South-South cooperation as a vital platform for jointly addressing the geographic challenges faced by landlocked nations. She stressed the importance of solidarity and mutual support to promote sustainable development and regional integration.
Participants discussed expanding access to modern technologies and expertise in LLDCs through South-South and triangular cooperation. They emphasized that deeper regional integration and effective use of such cooperation mechanisms are key to increasing LLDCs’ participation in global trade.
The meeting also addressed mobilizing long-term investments for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing inclusive and sustainable connectivity. Speakers underscored the need to tap into diverse financial sources—public, private, and international—and to develop innovative financial instruments that ensure lasting investment sustainability.
At the conclusion of the meeting, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation and knowledge exchange to tackle shared challenges, with a focus on infrastructure, trade, and resilient economic models.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 7, 2025