Message from the Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (2026)
Today, we mark the 1st anniversary of the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries - a powerful recognition of the aspirations of 32 LLDCs home to more than 600 million people.
For LLDCs, geography has been destiny for far too long. Distance from global markets, high transport and trade costs, inadequate connectivity and growing exposure to external shocks continue to constrain their development. But geography must never dictate destiny. Landlocked must not mean opportunity-locked.
The Awaza Programme of Action for the LLDCs provides us with a bold and practical blueprint to change this reality: To strengthening freedom of transit and regional connectivity, accelerating structural transformation, building climate resilience, and mobilizing investment, technology and partnerships at scale.
This Day is therefore, more than just a commemoration. It is a call to action, and a test of our collective resolve. We need stronger cooperation between LLDCs and transit countries, more predictable and sustained support from development partners, and solutions that deliver tangible results for people and communities.
The true measure of our commitment will be the progress we achieve on the ground: sustainable infrastructure, more efficient corridors, lower trade costs, stronger productive capacities and greater opportunities for all.
My Office and I remain fully committed to championing the priorities of LLDCs and working with all partners to translate the commitments of Awaza into transformative action.
Together, we can turn geographic barriers into bridges of opportunity and ensure that no country is left behind because it is landlocked. Let that be our firm resolve as we celebrate this day in solidarity with the LLDCs.
This Day is therefore, more than just a commemoration. It is a call to action, and a test of our collective resolve. We need stronger cooperation between LLDCs and transit countries, more predictable and sustained support from development partners, and solutions that deliver tangible results for people and communities."
Ms. Rabab Fatima
