A Renewed Perspective on the Prosperity of Landlocked Developing Countries — Global Issues
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 03 (IPS) – More than 570 million people live in 32 least developed countries (LLDCs), spanning across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. These nations face unique and complex development challenges. Their lack of direct access to the sea, geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, and difficulties in integrating into global trade and value chains hinder development and sustainable progress.
The ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased vulnerability to external shocks, climate change, and growing debt burdens have compounded these challenges, undermining the progress achieved under the last development roadmap for LLDCs—the Vienna Plan of Action.
However, a critical moment for LLDCs is at hand. Ahead of the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3), which will be held next year, the international community has adopted a new Program of Action (PoA) that will guide the development of LLDCs from 2025 to 2035.
The new PoA is a landmark achievement designed to address the structural challenges of LLDCs and accelerate their socio-economic integration into the global economy. The vision focuses on five key areas critical to transforming LLDCs into resilient and competitive economies:
Structural Change and Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)
Economic diversification is important for LLDCs. Their reliance on a limited supply of assets leaves them highly vulnerable to external shocks. The new PoA prioritizes value-adding industries and effective technologies and innovations to help LLDCs integrate more effectively into global value chains and build stronger economies.
Digital connectivity, which is essential for sustainable development, is also important for PoA. By 2023, only 39% of LLDCs use the internet, compared to the global average of 67%. The PoA aims to build regional digital platforms for peer learning and capacity building while increasing support to LLDCs for technology development for sustainable growth.
Trade, Facilitating Trade, and Regional Integration
Trade drives economic growth, but LLDCs account for only 1.1% of global trade. High trade costs—an average of 30% higher than coastal countries—severely hinder their competitiveness.
The new PoA highlights the interest of LLDCs in establishing a dedicated work program at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address their unique needs. It also recommends the establishment of a high-level expert panel to review the application of existing international laws on freedom of movement for LLDCs, ensuring that LLDCs can engage in international trade under fair conditions.
Transportation, Transportation, and Communications
Transport infrastructure is an important link for LLDCs to global markets. Closing the existing gap—about 200,000 km of asphalt roads and more than 46,000 railways—will require more than half a billion dollars.
To address this, the PoA proposes an Infrastructure Investment Finance Facility (IIFF) for LLDCs to pool resources for sustainable transport infrastructure, thereby reducing transaction costs and improving connectivity.
Developing Resilience and Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters
LLDCs face high vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Between 2012 and 2022, 447 such incidents affected 170 million people in LLDCs—double the global average.
The PoA emphasizes climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and improved access to climate finance. It also notes the interest of LLDCs in developing a dedicated work plan under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Last, but not least,
Methods of Use
The success of a new Program depends on strong implementation processes, including adequate resources, technical support, and strong relationships. The PoA calls for increased development assistance and emphasizes the role of partnerships between the private sector and the public in achieving its major goals.
Driving Progress Together – a call for global unity and action
The adoption of a New Action Plan is more than a commitment—it is a renewed call to action. International cooperation is essential to provide LLDCs with the financial, technical, and capacity-building assistance they need. Strengthened partnerships and joint efforts will enable LLDCs to leverage their potential and participate significantly in the global economy.
The upcoming LLDC3 Summit in 2025 will serve as an important platform to build this momentum and strengthen international cooperation and multi-sectoral partnerships to implement the PoA.
With political determination, improved partnerships, and concrete actions, LLDCs can emerge as powerful players in the global economy, charting the path toward sustainable prosperity in the next decade.
Mrs. Rabab FatimaUnited Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
IPS UN Bureau
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© Inter Press Service (2025) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
