Statement by Ms. Rabab Fatima at the Flag Lowering Ceremony of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries

His Excellency Mr. Racshid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister Foreign Affairs,
Ambassador Aksoltan Ataeva,
Excellencies,
Hon’ble Ministers,
Distinguished Colleagues,

Good afternoon.

It’s my great honour and privilege to join you for the flag-lowering ceremony, marking the formal closure of this venue for the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs.

I extend my deep gratitude to His Excellency President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and to the Government and people of Turkmenistan, for their outstanding leadership and gracious support in hosting this historic Conference. My deepest appreciation and thanks to you, Hon’ble Minister, for leading this process from the front. Thank you.

A huge thank you to Team Turkmenistan here in Awaza, Ashkhabad, and New York.

From the first warm welcome to this shore, to the flawless organization of the conference, you have made Awaza a symbol of hope, aspiration, and shared purpose for LLDCs.

This conference has united the hearts and minds of the international community - as we pursue the development and prosperity for the 600 million people of the 32 LLDCs. 

We can be proud of delivering a process that has been both purposeful and inclusive.

Along with heads of state and parliamentarians and the private sector - the voices of young people, women leaders and civil society have been heard loudly.  

LLDC3 has been a beacon of multistakeholder partnership.

As the flags are lowered, we bring to a close an important moment in this collective journey.  

But this is not the end, it is the beginning of a new chapter for the LLDCs. 

This Conference reminded us of a simple but powerful truth:
LLDCs may be landlocked, but they are not opportunity locked.

With the right partnerships, the right investments, and the right support, they can thrive, grow and deliver a bright future for their people. 

To all delegates, stakeholders, specialists and partners - thank you for your active engagement, and for bringing your ideas and your commitment to advancing the priorities of the LLDCs.
To our colleagues across the UN system, thank you. Your tireless efforts have been the backbone of this successful event.  

And to my own team, Team-OHRLLS - thank you. You have worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that we deliver a truly remarkable conference.  It has been a pleasure to see you work hand in glove with our generous hosts as One Team.

As we conclude this moment, we carry with us renewed energy and a clear mandate. 

We remain fully committed to supporting the implementation of the new Programme in the years ahead.

We leave Awaza with determination, and with hope.

Sag boluň". Thank you.