International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of LLDCs

The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres outlined the “ daunting challenges ” LLDCs continue to face – steep barriers to trade, high transport costs, and limited access to global markets. He warned that the debt burden of these countries has reached “ dangerous and unsustainable levels. ” Although LLDCs account for seven per cent of the world’s population, they represent just over one percent of global economic output and trade. “ This is a stark example of deep inequalities that perpetuate marginalization, ” said the Secretary-General, attributing this to “ an unfair global economic and financial architecture that does not reflect the realities of today’s interconnected world” , as well as to the legacy of colonialism.

This year’s observance takes place alongside preparations for the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (2025), a platform to renew international commitment to the Vienna Programme of Action and to build inclusive strategies that leave no country behind . Geography must not define destiny. On this inaugural International Day, let us renew our resolve to ensure that every nation—regardless of location—can access opportunities, dignity, and sustainable development . We join the global call to: Strengthen infrastructure and regional cooperation, Reduce transit-related trade barriers, Address the human rights impact of isolation and underdevelopment, Amplify the voices of LLDCs in global policy forums. .

  Trade challenges faced by LLDCs will be addressed, noting that these countries account for a small share of global trade despite comprising a significant portion of the population. LLDCs struggle with high transit costs and complex trade routes, leading to economic vulnerabilities. The round table will discuss the role of trade facilitation agreements, digital trade, and e-commerce as potential solutions. Regional integration will be highlighted as a pathway to improve trade and diversify exports, especially through collaboration with neighboring transit countries and multilateral trade systems. Related Sites and Documents Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries website Concept note Watch Round Table 2: Seizing the transformative potential of trade, trade facilitation, and regional integration for landlocked developing countries (LLDC3)! Conferences

 International Trade Centre will brief attending media on their work in LLDC countries and share the outcomes of two reports. Oliveira-Gómez of the International Trade Centre (ITC) will brief attending media on the work of ITC in Landlocked Developing countries and share the outcomes of two reports: - "China-Lao People's Democratic Republic: Opportunities for export expansion" - "Bottlenecks of Trade with China and Thailand with a Focus on Railway" Speakers: Oliveira-Gómez, Director of the Division of Country Programmes at the International Trade Centre (ITC). Moderated by May Yaacoub, Spokesperson, LLDC3 Conference. Related Sites and Documents:  Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries website Watch the Press Conference: International Trade Centre (LLDC)! Conferences