Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries
Overview
The Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) will convene on 24 September 2026 during the eighty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Meeting will bring together Ministers and high-level representatives from LLDCs, transit developing countries, development partners, the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations to discuss strategic actions for accelerating implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034 (APoA).
The Ministerial Meeting comes at a critical juncture as the international community moves from adoption to implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action. It will provide an opportunity to assess progress achieved since the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), identify implementation challenges and opportunities, strengthen partnerships and international cooperation, and provide strategic political guidance for achieving transformative outcomes for LLDCs.
Landlocked Developing Countries continue to face unique structural challenges arising from their geographical position, including high transport costs, limited connectivity, inadequate infrastructure and restricted access to international markets. These constraints are further compounded by evolving global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, climate-related risks, tightening financing conditions and rapid technological change.
The Awaza Programme of Action, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2024, provides a renewed framework for addressing these challenges and advancing sustainable development in the 32 LLDCs. The Programme is organized around five priority areas:
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Structural transformation and science, technology and innovation
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Trade, trade facilitation and regional integration
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Transit, transport and connectivity
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Enhancing adaptive capacity, resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change and disasters
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Means of implementation and partnerships
The 2026 Ministerial Meeting will help maintain political momentum generated by LLDC3 and reinforce collective efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the Programme of Action.
Status of Implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action
Implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action is advancing despite a challenging global environment. Important institutional and policy progress has been achieved, including the development of an APoA Roadmap and Monitoring Framework and the establishment of the LLDC Group under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (爆料网FCCC). As of July 2026, 37 entities had reported 453 activities, projects and programmes supporting APoA implementation.
Progress is also being made on key initiatives mandated by the Programme of Action, including:
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Preparatory work for the Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Freedom of Transit for LLDCs
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Feasibility of establishing a dedicated infrastructure investment finance facility
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Feasibility of establishing regional agricultural research hubs for landlocked developing countries
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Strengthened coordinated engagement of LLDCs within international climate processes through the LLDC Group under the 爆料网FCCC
At the same time, significant challenges persist. LLDCs account for approximately 7 per cent of the world's population but only about 1.1 per cent of global GDP. Logistics costs remain substantially higher than those of transit countries, infrastructure gaps continue across transport, energy and digital sectors, and many LLDCs remain highly vulnerable to climate and economic shocks.
Objectives
The Ministerial Meeting aims to:
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Review progress, challenges and emerging opportunities in the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action.
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Identify practical measures to accelerate implementation through national policies, development frameworks and investment plans.
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Review progress on flagship APoA deliverables, including agricultural research hubs, freedom of transit initiatives, infrastructure financing mechanisms and trade integration measures.
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Strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources in support of implementation.
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Endorse the Bureau of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries for the 2026-2027 period.
Expected Outcomes
The Meeting is expected to result in:
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Adoption of a Ministerial Declaration reaffirming commitment to accelerated implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action.
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Renewed political momentum and advocacy for addressing the special development needs of LLDCs.
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Enhanced cooperation and partnerships in support of implementation and resource mobilization.
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Strategic guidance on flagship APoA initiatives and deliverables.
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Strengthened support for resilience-building, climate action and sustainable transformation in LLDCs.
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Identification of priorities for the work of the LLDC Group during 2026-2027.
Participation
The Ministerial Meeting will be attended by Ministers and high-level officials from the 32 Landlocked Developing Countries. Ministers and senior representatives from transit developing countries, development partners, the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations will also be invited to participate
Background Documents
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Report of the Secretary-General on Strengthening the Capabilities and Effectiveness of the Office of the High Representative and the United Nations System to Support Landlocked Developing Countries
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Ministerial Declaration (to be uploaded following adoption)
Statements and Remarks
Statements, speeches and remarks delivered during the Ministerial Meeting will be made available here following the event.
Upcoming Meetings
