Remarks by the President of the

UN General Assembly,

Mr. Philemon Yang
Plenary Meeting on Landlocked Developing Countries

[As Delivered]

Tuesday, 28 January

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

At the outset, allow me to welcome the new Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034 which was adopted by the General Assembly in December 2024.

By adopting this Programme, we support the 32 landlocked developing countries in charting a new path of transformation over the next decade. And we forge a new global partnership to address the unique challenges to their development.

In this context, I commend the efforts of Ms. Rabab Fatima, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, with regard to the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

I would like to also applaud Austria and Mongolia, co-chairs of the Preparatory Committee for their work in steering the consensus agreement on the new Programme of Action.

As we look forward to the Third UN Conference in 2025, today we honour the spirit of its theme – “Driving progress through partnership”.

The 570 million people living in landlocked developing countries deserve nothing less.

For too long, they have faced unique challenges to trade, connectivity, and development.

Recent shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising prices worldwide, geopolitical tensions and the deepening impact of climate change, have only intensified their vulnerabilities.

While progress has been made over the last decade, results across these economies have been mixed.

Consider that the combined Gross Domestic Product of landlocked developing countries in 2023 came in at 8 percent below pre-pandemic projections, still unable to recover the output loss since 2020.

Exports remained marginal in the global market with a high concentration in primary commodities.

Internet access, despite gains, continued to lag the global average, making life more challenging for those furthest behind.

And yet, landlocked developing countries have demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Their real GDP surpassed that of developed countries in 2023, showcasing their ability to quickly reverse negative trends.

With the support of the international community, landlocked developing countries have a key opportunity to consolidate and achieve greater progress.

One that should not be missed.

The five priority areas within the new Programme of Action are designed to augment and accelerate these gains.

They contain several initiatives which, if implemented, would significantly support a transformative agenda for landlocked developing countries.

Therefore, I welcome the targets to establish:

  • Regional agriculture research hubs,
  • Regional digital platforms,
  • A dedicated infrastructure investment finance facility, and
  • A high-level panel of experts to identify ways and means to ensure seamless sea access.

These initiatives aim to address both inherited challenges and urgent needs, offering powerful tools to accelerate sustainable development.

We know that partnerships are key to unleashing the potential of landlocked developing countries.

Thus, strengthening cooperation, particularly with transit countries, will be critical to making cross-border trade faster, easier and less costly.

Coupled with support from development partners, landlocked developing countries will be better positioned to improve transport connectivity, foster diversity in their economic base, and enable their own integration into the global economy.

I urge the international community to mainstream the Programme of Action, and to forge the diverse partnerships needed to help these countries

  • Advance human development,
  • Develop local infrastructure, and
  • Rapidly expand trade access to global markets.

In turn, the General Assembly – the great drum that gives voice to all peoples and nations – will serve as the global platform for monitoring the implementation of the Programme of Action on an annual basis.

I congratulate Member States again on the adoption of the new Programme of Action and look forward to the convening of the Third UN Conference at the date and venue to be decided.

Only with solidarity and concerted efforts can we advance together towards a brighter future for all – where no country is left behind.

I thank you.

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Media Contacts

Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org

Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 3614990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org