The Avaza National Tourist Zone on the Caspian coast of Turkmenistan from 5 to 8 August 2025 turned into the epicenter of international dialogue, where representatives of more than one hundred states sought solutions to overcome the geographical isolation of 32 landlocked developing countries. The Third UN Conference on LLDCs brought together Heads of State and Government, delegates from over 100 countries, and representatives of dozens of major companies and international organizations. More than 160 journalists from 40 countries covered the event. The scale of the forum underscores the critical importance of the issue for the 570 million people living in 32 countries cut off from maritime trade routes.
The choice of Turkmenistan as the host country is symbolic - the country, embodying the principles of permanent neutrality for three decades, has created a unique atmosphere of trust and openness to discuss the most pressing development issues. The conference coincided with the International Year of Peace and Trust proclaimed by the United Nations on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, which gave additional significance to the agreements reached.
The Awazi Program as a Framework for a Ten-Year Transformation
The central achievement of the forum was the adoption of the Awazi Action Agenda 2024-2034, a document designed to fundamentally change the development trajectory of countries without maritime borders. The programme is structured around five mutually reinforcing pillars: structural transformation based on science and innovation, trade integration, transport connectivity, climate resilience and resource mobilization.
The ambitious goals are impressive: by 2034, the share of manufacturing, service exports and high-tech industries in the GDP of these countries is expected to double. The program envisages the establishment of regional agricultural research centers that will develop climate-resilient solutions to increase crop yields - a critical aspect for countries where the agricultural sector remains the main employer.
The document goes beyond declarations by proposing specific implementation mechanisms. There are plans to form a High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit, which will turn legal norms into practical tools to remove barriers to goods moving through transit territories.
Financial architecture and investments
The financial commitments announced at the conference demonstrate the seriousness of the international community's intentions. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has declared its readiness to invest $10 billion in LLDC infrastructure, an unprecedented sum capable of launching large-scale modernization projects.
The creation of a dedicated financing mechanism for infrastructure investment will open access to private capital that has traditionally been wary of the risks associated with geographical isolation. Multilateral development banks have committed to expanding concessional finance and facilitating access to digital trade finance, which will help narrow the existing trade finance gap.
There is a particular focus on climate finance - the creation of a new Climate Negotiation Group for LLDCs will enable these countries to speak with one voice in the global climate debate and work towards an equitable allocation of resources for adaptation.
Transportation corridors
Overcoming the "geography trap" becomes the main priority of the new program. The Conference emphasized the need for integrated development of transport infrastructure, from roads and railways to waterways and energy networks. Digital infrastructure, including fiber optic cables and satellite systems, is seen as an equal component of connectivity.
The proclamation of a UN Decade for Sustainable Transport, starting on January 1, 2026, provides an institutional framework for long-term investments in transport systems. Accelerated implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement should optimize transit procedures and reduce the time and cost of border crossing.
Climate Agenda
Landlocked developing countries face unique climate challenges ranging from melting glaciers to desertification. The Conference recognized the need for a special programme of work on LLDCs under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. For the first time in history, these states will have an institutional platform to articulate their specific climate challenges.
The establishment of regional research centers will enable the development of locally adapted solutions that increase the resilience of agriculture to climate change. The integration of the climate agenda into all five areas of the Avaza Program demonstrates the understanding that sustainable development is not possible without taking environmental factors into account.
The Central Asian Dimension: Unity in Diversity
The cultural program of the conference, unfolding at the sea fountains of Avaza, demonstrated the unique identity of Central Asia. The national pavilions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, complemented by the exposition of Azerbaijan, created an atmosphere of oriental hospitality, where differences in decorative traditions, musical styles and culinary preferences formed a harmonious mosaic of regional culture.
More than 450 NGO and youth representatives from the region actively participated in setting the agenda for the discussions, bringing fresh ideas and energy to traditional diplomatic formats. A concert of Central Asian and Azerbaijani artists against the backdrop of Caspian waves symbolized how cultural ties can strengthen economic and political cooperation.
Innovative transformation
Digitalization is recognized as a key tool to overcome geographical constraints. The Avaza Program sets an ambitious target of doubling the share of high-tech industries in the LLDC economy by 2034. The establishment of the Global Business Network for Landlocked Developing Countries will open new opportunities for attracting innovation and technology transfer.
Turkmenistan presented its own initiatives in the areas of circular economy, sustainable transport and medicine, demonstrating its readiness to share its experience in technological modernization. The emphasis on satellite systems and fiber-optic networks reflects the understanding that in the 21st century, digital connectivity can compensate for physical distance from seaports.
Political commitments: from declarations to action
The Awazi Political Declaration adopted by the Heads of State and Government goes beyond traditional diplomatic language. The document contains specific monitoring and reporting mechanisms, creating a system of accountability for all participants in the process. The formation of a network of national coordinators will ensure constant control over the implementation of the program throughout the decade.
The Declaration reaffirms commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Climate Agreement and other key international commitments. For the first time, landlocked developing countries have had their special needs institutionally recognized at the highest political level.
Voice of civil society
The unprecedented participation of civil society, youth and women leaders distinguished the Awazi Conference from previous forums. Parallel events - forums for the private sector, parliamentarians and youth - created a space for dialog between state structures and non-state actors.
The inclusion of youth voices in key discussions reflects the understanding that it is the new generation that will realize the program's ambitious goals. Women leaders gained a platform to articulate the gender dimensions of development, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach to economic transformation.
The Avaza Conference will go down in history as a turning point for landlocked developing countries. For the first time, geographical isolation is seen not as an insurmountable obstacle, but as a challenge requiring innovative solutions and global solidarity. Turkmenistan, demonstrating exceptional organizational capacity and diplomatic skill, has strengthened its position as a reliable platform for international dialogue.
The next decade will show how effectively the global community can translate political commitments into concrete infrastructure projects, trade agreements and technological breakthroughs. The success of the Avazi Program will be measured not by the number of meetings held, but by the real improvement in the lives of 570 million people, for whom being landlocked should no longer mean being unable to access global opportunities.
The name Avaza, traditionally associated with recreation and tourism, now symbolizes hope and new perspectives for a significant part of the world's population. The conference demonstrated that with political will, financial resources and innovative approaches, geography can transform from a barrier into a bridge connecting peoples and continents in the common pursuit of sustainable development.
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