The Opening Press Conference of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) held on August 5, 2025, highlighted critical initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by landlocked nations. The conference, taking place in Turkmenistan, marks significant anniversaries for the United Nations and the country’s status of permanent neutrality, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation in tackling global issues.

Key discussions centered around several initiatives designed to enhance global health, transport connectivity, and energy transitions. Notably, the proposal for a Global Medicine of the Future initiative aims to unite international efforts in combating global health threats. Additionally, there is a call to develop a global atlas of sustainable transport connectivity, which is particularly relevant for landlocked developing countries that often struggle with access to international markets.

The conference also addressed the transition to hydrogen energy, with plans to begin consultations next year for a global program targeting the years 2030 to 2040. Furthermore, a framework for transitioning to a circular economy in collaboration with relevant UN institutions was proposed, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development.

During the conference, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for the global community to support landlocked developing countries, warning that geography should not define their destiny. He highlighted the importance of creating infrastructure and establishing rules that facilitate access to international markets, which is crucial for these nations to overcome their inherent disadvantages.

The discussions also touched on interconnectivity challenges faced by landlocked countries, with a focus on how Turkmenistan can enhance connectivity within Central Asia and to Europe. The Secretary-General pointed out that while landlocked developed countries may have access to harbors and free movement of goods, landlocked developing countries require significant support to achieve similar levels of connectivity.

In conclusion, the LLDC3 conference sets the stage for a collaborative approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by landlocked developing countries. The initiatives proposed reflect a commitment to innovation, solidarity, and the belief that collective action can lead to meaningful progress. As the conference progresses, the international community is called upon to engage actively in creating the necessary conditions for development, ensuring that landlocked nations are not left behind in the global landscape.