Cost of Being Landlocked: Lessons for Implementing the Programme of Action for the LLDCs for the Decade 2024‑2034

This report reviews developmental trends in Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), evaluating progress in the priority areas of the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA) and estimating the economic cost of landlockedness. It highlights achievements, lessons learned, and best practices in development in LLDCs, while providing recommendations for implementing the new Programme of Action for LLDCs for the Decade 2024‑2034.

The analysis is nested in a conceptual framework where development is broadly defined as the improvement in the well‑being and quality of life for individuals and communities. Development is therefore a multidimensional concept, which is affected by landlockedness through multiple channels including the ability of a country to trade internationally, but also the circulation of people and ideas. This framework aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which advocate for a balanced and inclusive approach to development considering economic, social, and environmental consideration to improve the well‑being of current and future generations.

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