Statement by Ms. Rabab Fatima at the Information Session on LLDC3

H.E. Mrs. Aksoltan Ataeva, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations,
USG Movses Abelian,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Dear Colleagues,

[Allow me now, in my capacity as the Secretary General of the LLDC3 Conference, to share an update on the preparations for this important Conference.] 

At the outset, I thank Ambassador Aksoltan Ataeva, and her excellent team, for their steadfast support in preparing for the Conference, in the short time that they got. We are grateful to the Government of Turkmenistan for its kind and generous offer to host the conference.  

I also thank the Chair of the LLDC Group, and the bureau, for their leadership in steering the Group in preparing for the Conference. I also recall with gratitude the leadership and support of the Ambassador and delegation of Botswana, for their support and leadership in the substantive preparations for the conference. 
 
Allow me as well to thank Under Secretary-General Mr. Movses Abelian and his team for their excellent support and co-operation in the preparatory process. 

I assure you that the entire UN system is fully committed to making the Conference a success. 

Excellencies, I wish to report that thanks to the excellent cooperation of the host government and the entire UN team, here in the Secretariat and on the ground, preparations for the Conference are progressing very well and are on track.

To facilitate your access to key documents, we have circulated a QR code linking to the Conference Information Note. This document outlines all logistical and organizational details and is currently available in English, with all official language versions forthcoming.

The Conference App – is also up and running and available on the app store of both Apple and Android – and you may wish to download that to have all details on your fingertip. 

[Slide 2: Conference Programme Overview]

You will recall that the UNGA mandated that LLDC3 would be a multistakeholder event, with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.  And as such, we have an elaborate programme, with numerous events under the inter-governmental process and the different stakeholder tracks, in the true spirit of partnerships. 

The intergovernmental track will consist of six plenary meetings, in addition to the opening and the closing sessions. There would also be:
•    5 high-level thematic roundtables aligned with the main priority areas of the Awaza Programme of Action. 
•    A large number of side events and exhibitions by Member States, UN and partner agencies. 
•    And pre-conference and parallel events under the parliamentary, private sector, civil society, youth, South-South ministerial, and dedicated tracks on connectivity.
•    There would also a meeting of women leaders from all fields.  
•    [And] to ensure effective implementation of the POA at the country level, we will have a dedicated meeting of the National Focal Points of the 32 LLDCs, and the Resident Coordinators in those countries.  

I wish to stress that several UNGA resolutions, including the most recent one 79/279 call for participation at the highest possible level, including Heads of State and Government.  And I hope that you will all ensure such high-level participation from your countries, for an impactful and successful LLDC3.  

The UN Secretary General, PGA, P-ECOSOC, and UN principals are expected to attend the conference among others. 

[Slide 3: Programme]
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[Slide 4: Thematic roundtables] 
 The five thematic Roundtables will be co-chaired at the Head of State or Government level and include Member States, UN system organizations, and other stakeholder groups.  They are themed around the 5 priority areas of the Awaza Programme of Action. [And these are:]

    Roundtable 1: Structural transformation, diversification, and science, technology and innovation as drivers of prosperity in landlocked developing countries 
    Roundtable 2: Seizing the transformative potential of trade, trade facilitation, and regional integration for landlocked developing countries 
    Round table 3: Building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, and promoting unfettered transit systems for landlocked developing countries 
    Roundtable 4: Enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and addressing vulnerability to climate change and disasters in landlocked developing countries 
    Roundtable 5: Provision and mobilization of resources, and strengthened global partnerships for sustainable development in landlocked developing countries 

Please do reach out to us to register your interest if you wish to have your HOS/HOG co-chair in any of the roundtables.  We will soon be finalizing the list of co-chairs and other panelists on a first-come basis.  

Let me now briefly turn to the activities under various tracks. 

[Slide 5: Private Sector Forum]
The Private Sector Forum will start on the afternoon of the opening day, i.e. on the 5th of August.  It is co-organized by OHRLLS, the UN Global Compact and 7 key partners working directly with the private sector.

We are expecting high level participation – and expect the UN Secretary-General and President of Turkmenistan to open the two-day Forum on the afternoon of the 1st day; which will be followed by 4 thematic sessions, special events, exhibitions and B-B and B-G meeting spaces.

The Forum will convene leaders from the private and public sector - both from LLDCs and development partner countries – under the overarching theme of: “unlocking business”, covered across 4 thematic sessions: 
•    Trade & Transit
•    LLDC Growth Opportunities
•    Financing & Investment
•    Digital Development

We also expect a network of the private sector entities, businesses and entrepreneurs – the LLDCs Global Business Network – to be launched in Awaza.  

[Slide 6: Parliamentary Forum]

The Conference activities will kick off on the pre-conference day, on the 4th of August, with the Parliamentary Forum, the CSO Forum and the Youth Forum.  

The Parliamentary Forum will be co-organized by OHRLLS and the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The objective of this Forum is to mobilize parliaments in supporting and providing oversight to the implementation of the Programme of Action, including through appropriate budget allocation and legislation. 

The Forum will consist of a high-level opening and thematic discussions on the priority areas relevant to the conference.

[Slide 7: Civil Society Forum]

The Civil Society Forum will hold its high-level opening on the 4th of August, and continue to 5 August 2025. 

This will be organized by OHRLLS. It will provide a platform for civil society organizations and academia, as well as other stakeholders to identify critical priorities, forge partnerships, and chart a way forward. 

The CSO Forum will also showcase successful partnerships and strategies that drive sustainable development in LLDCs and facilitate the exchange of innovative solutions, best practices, and lessons learned in addressing LLDC-specific challenges.   

We are working closely with the CSO Forum advisory group drawn from all LLDC regions, to mobilize participation and preparations for the event.   

[Slide 8: Youth Track]
The objective of the youth track is to place young people at the forefront of the LLDC agenda.  We are co-organizing the Youth Forum with the UN Youth Office and an advisory group.  And I am pleased to report that preparations are well on track. The Youth Forum will take place on the 4th and the 7th.

We are sponsoring the participation of CSO and youth representatives from all the 32 LLDCs.  And I wish to take this opportunity to thank those governments who have provided funds to ensure that.  

May I also take this opportunity to strongly encourage the others to also support CSO and youth representatives from your countries to be in Awaza in a spirit of partnership and solidarity.  It is important to have robust cross-regional exchange of ideas and best practices.  

Various youth events and engagements will take place during the week.  

Additionally, two Intergenerational Dialogues will be held on 5th August, on the themes: “Driving Growth - Youth-Led Innovation in Digital Development for Sustainable Economies in LLDCs”, and on “Empowering Change - Youth Leadership in Tackling Climate Crisis in LLDCs”.  We are expecting high level participation of leaders in the intergenerational dialogues. 

There will also be storytelling workshops, exhibitions and think pieces on display. 

[Slide 9: Ministerial Meeting on South-South Cooperation] 

On the 6th of August, we will have a day-long Ministerial Meeting on South-South Cooperation.  This is being co-organized by OHRLLS and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

The meeting will focus on South-South and triangular cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI), trade facilitation and regional integration, and enhancing development financing for inclusive, equitable and affordable connectivity. 

There will also be case studies to showcase the best practices in unlocking the potential of South-South and triangular cooperation for sustainable, resilient and transformative development of LLDCs.

We are expecting the participation of Ministers from LLDCs, transit countries, development partners from the global South and the North, from the UN system, multilateral and regional development banks and financial institutions, academia, the private sector and NGOs.

[Slide 10: Connectivity track]

The Connectivity track will feature two components: namely, on digital connectivity, and on transport and transit connectivity.

The session on digital connectivity, which we are co-organizing with ITU among others, will focus on:
•    Access: Connecting people everywhere 
•    Adoption: Empowering communities 
•    Value Creation: Advancing Meaningful Connectivity 
•    Accelerate: Incentivizing investments. 
 
The transport and transit session will focus on Infrastructure Development; Building sustainable and resilient transport systems; Transit Facilitation; Multimodal Transport Systems; and Regional Integration.

[Slide 11: Women Leader’s Track]

The Women Leader’s Track is co-organized by UN-OHRLLS, the Government of Turkmenistan and the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus on the theme: From Commitment to Change: Women Driving the LLDC3 Programme of Action.

The purpose of the meeting is to:
•    Mobilize high-level political support to ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in implementation of the Awaza programme of action for the LLDCs. 
•    Highlighting best practices in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in LLDCs with a view to creating a platform for networking and experience sharing among stakeholders. 
•    Identifying recommendations and required commitments to amplify voice and opportunities for women that will help accelerate the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action. 
•    Enhancing partnerships and collective actions together with all stakeholders to provide women with increased access to and capacity support for utilization of resources, technology, and financing. 

[Slide 12&13: National Focal Points and Resident Coordinator Meeting]

We will also have a dedicated meeting for the National Focal Points in the LLDCs.  We are also working with DCO to have the Resident Coordinators from LLDCs to also attend.  We have mobilized funds to support the participation of the NFPs and the RCs.  This will be a good start to the discussions on the implementation of the new POA, and share country-level experiences; and how to mainstream its provisions into national level policies and development plans.

We are putting together a toolkit/guideline to support with the mainstreaming of the POA into national plans, and we expect to share the draft of that at this meeting.  

[Slide 14: Side events]

We have provisions for holding 90 side events, which are open to member states and other entities.  We have received a good number of requests, but some slots are still available.  

Member States interested in organizing a side event are encouraged to contact my Office at the earliest opportunity. Additional proposals will be considered, with priority given to those submitted by Member States.

[Slide 15&16: Exhibitions]

Exhibitions will be on display throughout the duration of the Conference available in different sizes.

Exhibitions will take place in the blue zone (UN zone) of the Awaza Conference Centre. Hence, all exhibitors must be registered and accredited for LLDC3 to gain on-site access.

There is no rental fee for the exhibition space. Exhibitors are responsible for any additional costs.

[Slide 17: Media at LLDC3]

Global media will attend LLDC3.

Media representatives, including journalists, photographers and videographers who are not part of official delegations, must apply for accreditation through the United Nations Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit (MALU) online. The registration will be open soon.

Media representatives who are a part of a delegation, including journalists and official photographers and videographers, must register through their respective permanent/observer missions or liaison offices in New York. 

All meetings open to the press and media will be available live and on demand through UN WebTV.

Participants are also encouraged to follow social media channels using the #LLDC3 and #landlocked hashtags, especially the @UNOHRLLS Twitter account. During the conference, a live blog and videos will inform on the days' happenings, ensure to check this page regularly for updates.
Other details on the organizational and logistical preparations will be elaborated by USG Mr. Movses Abelian. 

[Slide 18: LLDC3 App]

As I mentioned earlier, the LLDC3 App is now formally open. You may please follow the steps shown on the screen to get access to the App.  My colleagues will be happy to assist you in accessing that, if you need any assistance. 

[Slide 19: Travel Support by OHRLLS]

[As I have already communicated] OHRLLS will fund 7 participants from each LLDC.  This includes: 
•    Head of delegation
•    1 Parliamentarian
•    National Focal Point
•    Permanent Representative to the UN
•    2nd Committee Expert
•    Civil Society
•    Youth

Please note the civil society and youth delegate will not be part of the official delegation and will be selected by our Office.

Additionally, UN Resident Coordinator from each of the 32 LLDCs will be sponsored. And we will also support participation of LDC delegations – one each. 

The rest of the sponsored participants will be directly coordinated by the OHRLLS in close collaboration of the track leads in full compliance with UN standards.
 
I wish to once again, thank all delegations who have generously contributed to our Trust Fund, to support the participation of government and other stakeholders to LLDC3. 

[Slide 20: Deliverables of the LLDC3]

[Excellencies] the Awaza POA is a forward-looking document containing a number of concrete deliverables, ambitious goals and targets and firm commitments. The deliverables are:  

•    Regional Agriculture Research Hubs for LLDCs (RARH-LLDCs)
•    Proposed Work Programme on LLDCS Under the Auspices of The World Trade Organization
•    Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Freedom of Transit 
•    Infrastructure Investment Finance Facility (IIFF) for LLDCs

We have started working on developing the concept and project documents related to these deliverables and we will host dedicated side events to present those in Awaza. 

Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues,

We are going to the Conference with the outcome document, the Awaza POA, already adopted by consensus by the UNGA in December 2024.  This reflects strong global consensus and support for the LLDC agenda and priorities. 

The POA is a forward-looking document, anchored in the shared commitment of LLDCs, transit countries, and development partners; outlines important deliverables; and bold commitments across the five priority areas.

Our collective focus must now turn to implementation. The POA must be integrated into national development strategies, as well as the frameworks of the UN development system. To support this, we are finalizing a comprehensive roadmap that will define roles, responsibilities, and timelines. It will be shared ahead of the Conference for your feedback and officially launched in Awaza.

[Excellencies] As you can see, that preparations for LLDC3 are well on track. Two UN planning missions have confirmed the excellent facilities in Awaza, and we continue to coordinate closely with the host country. Engagement across the UN system is strong, and awareness-raising efforts are ongoing, including through side events at major UN conferences.

I express my deep appreciation to the Government of Turkmenistan for its exemplary cooperation and leadership, including in the consultations on the draft Awaza Political Declaration.

What is most important now is to ensure participation. Registration of the official delegations of participating States, intergovernmental organizations and entities that have observer status with the General Assembly, associate members of the regional commissions, intergovernmental organizations, as well as of specialized agencies and related organizations has been open since 18 June 2025.

I am pleased to report that confirmations have already started coming in. I thank the Permanent Missions that have already submitted their delegation lists. I urge the remaining Missions to engage with their capitals and facilitate participation at the level of Head of State or Government. 

Finally, Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates, this is a pivotal opportunity to unlock the potential of LLDCs and accelerate their path toward the 2030 Agenda. Let us work together to ensure LLDC3 becomes a catalyst for real and lasting change.

Thank you.

[I now have the pleasure to give the floor to USG Movses Abelian, also the Secretary of the Conference, to provide us with updates on preparations.]