Media Advisory | Global leaders set to spearhead transformative solutions for economic growth and connectivity for the world’s Landlocked Developing Countries

Media Advisory

 

Global leaders set to spearhead transformative solutions for economic growth and connectivity for the world’s Landlocked Developing Countries 

Online Media Accreditation OPEN until 20 November 2024

New York, 18 October 2024 – Heads of Government and State together with leaders from civil society, private sector, youth and other partners will gather in Gaborone, Botswana, for the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) to reshape the trajectory of development for the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs). Taking place from 10 to 13 December 2024, the Conference is an opportunity to explore meaningful partnerships to unlock the potential of these countries.

Contending with high trade costs, limited transport infrastructure, and cumbersome border and customs regulations — LLDCs have a two-sided predicament: they’re landlocked, yet they’re also still developing. They are confronted with intricate development challenges, emanating from their lack of direct access to the sea, geographical remoteness, and lack of integration with world trade and global value chains. As a result, the poverty levels in the LLDCs remain significantly higher than the world average and half of LLDCs are also Least Developed Countries.

Cut off from the global marketplace and without the means to develop adequate transport and logistics infrastructure, landlocked developing countries face significant challenges in achieving the sustainable development goals. The four-day Conference offers a chance to explore solutions and forge partnerships, addressing challenges and unlocking the full potential of LLDCs for a more equitable and prosperous future.

About the Conference

In addition to ten plenary sessions, the official Conference programme will feature five High-Level Thematic Roundtables that will address critical areas for the development of LLDCs:

• Structural Transformation, Diversification, and Science Technology & Innovation as Drivers of Prosperity in LLDCs (Tuesday, 10 December 2024, 15:00-18:00)
• Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation, and Regional Integration for LLDCs (Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 10:00-13:00)
• Building Sustainable Infrastructure, Strengthening Connectivity, and Promoting Unfettered Transit Systems for LLDCs (Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 15:00-18:00)
• Enhancing Adaptive Capacity, Strengthening Resilience, and Addressing Vulnerability to Climate Change and Disasters in LLDCs (Thursday, 12 December 2024, 10:00-13:00)
• Provision and Mobilization of Resources and Strengthened Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development in LLDCs (Thursday, 12 December 2024, 15:00-18:00)

The programme will also be accompanied by several events, including Women Leader’s Meeting (11 December 2024), and six special forums focusing on the following stakeholders:

The four-day Conference will culminate in the adoption of a new ten-year programme of action agreement that will come at a critical time to transform the livelihoods of over half a billion people living in LLDCs globally.

Media Accreditation

Media Accreditation for the Conference is open until 20 November 2024. Media representatives, including journalists, photographers, and videographers who are not part of official delegations, must apply for accreditation through the UN Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit (MALU) via the online form.

For more information, please visit the UN Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit’s website or contact them at malu@un.org +1-212-963-6934.

Key links

 Social Media

Follow LLDC3 and related issues using hashtags: #LLDC3, #LockedOut, #ProgressThroughPartnerships

• Facebook: UN-OHRLLS, United Nations, GlobalGoalsUN
• X (formerly Twitter): @UNOHRLLS, @USGRabab_UN, @UN, @GlobalGoalsUN
• Instagram: @unohrlls
• LinkedIn: UN-OHRLLS

Media Contacts

UN Department of Global Communications | Alexandra del Castello | alexandra.delcastello@un.org

UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States | May Yaacoub | yaacoubm@un.org

UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States | Sithembile Siziba | Sithembile.siziba@un.org