PURPOSES:The United Nations General Assembly by the resolution A/79/L.108 proclaimed August 6th as International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries to spotlight the structural inequalities faced by 32 landlocked developing nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. The world can unite and rise to the challenge of the climate crisis. Multilateralism remains humanity’s best hope.
FORUM: “Driving Progress through Partnership.” International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries 2025. We are at a pivotal moment. LLDCs are home to over 600 million people who face compounded challenges due to lack of sea access, geographical isolation, and trade costs that are 30% higher than those of coastal countries. Without direct access to maritime trade routes, LLDCs are heavily dependent on neighboring transit countries—many of which are developing economies themselves—for their connection to the global economy. The consequences are stark; The Transport delays and high costs undermine economic growth and food security. The Export opportunities diminish while foreign investment dwindles. Over 40% of urban LLDC populations live in slums, and rates of undernourishment are more than twice the global average. The 16 of the 32 LLDCs are also classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs), facing overlapping vulnerabilities. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #6August, #LLDC3, #Landlockeddevelopingcountriesday, #LLDC3, #DrivingprogressthroughPartnership, #LLDCs.
EVENTS: On August 6th, we celebrate the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries 2025. This year mark the first-ever observance. 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. Register to participate!
From 5 to 8 August 2025; The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, or LLDC3, (Awaza, Turkmenistan) presents a vital opportunity to forge meaningful partnerships that unlock the potential of LLDCs. Through innovative solutions, strategic collaboration, and targeted investment, the global community can help overcome the unique challenges these countries face. By supporting these countries, we can help to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Watch the Press Conference: OHRLLS, Host Country, LLDC Chair (LLDC3) and Register to participate!
STATEMENTS: “Breaking down barriers and restoring fairness in global development should be the goal of the LLDC3’’, Secretary-General António Guterres says at its opening of the UN conference on landlocked nations in Awaza, Turkmenistan.
PODCASTS: Many vulnerable countries are drowning in debt and at risk of drowning in rising seas. It is time for a surge in finance, including for adaptation, loss and damage and reform of the international financial architecture. We need increased capital and reform of the business model of multilateral development banks to massively increase direct support – and to leverage far more private finance at reasonable costs for climate action in developing countries. Listen to the audio-podcast!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Breaking barriers, Driving connectivity. The #LockedOut campaign brings attention to how these countries are Locked Out, shares stories of individuals in landlocked countries that are breaking barriers, and advocates for support across five key areas of focus – transport and connectivity, infrastructure development, digital inclusion, climate action and youth engagement. Discover the campaign assets and Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
We celebrate the International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries to united governments, development partners, the United Nations system, the civil society organizations, and individuals to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by LLDCs and build global solidarity.
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.
The International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries is co-organized by the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the United Nations Department of Global Communications, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the UN Trade and Development, the International Trade centre (ITC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union.