Leader Tokayev Advocates for Regional Alliance at United Nations Conference Focused on Landlocked Developing Nations
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Kazakhstan, a Central Asian nation, is taking a leading role in supporting landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) by enhancing regional connectivity and fostering sustainable development. This commitment to global cooperation was evident at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, on August 5, where Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke.
More than two decades ago, Kazakhstan made history by hosting the First UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. This event marked the adoption of the Almaty Program of Action, the first global agenda focusing on the challenges faced by LLDCs [1][3]. Since then, Kazakhstan has been steadfast in its efforts to address these challenges.
The country is working tirelessly to foster regional cooperation and build transport and trade corridors to overcome the geographic disadvantages that LLDCs face. These disadvantages include high transit costs and limited market access [1][3]. Recently, Kazakhstan signed the Host Country Agreement with the United Nations to establish the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. This Center, headquartered in Almaty, aims to accelerate sustainable development, support inclusive growth, and promote economic connectivity in Central Asia and neighbouring LLDCs [1][2].
Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a key hub in global trade and logistics, linking East and West as well as North and South via roads, railways, and fiber optics. This enhanced regional connectivity and economic integration is crucial for LLDCs, many of which continue to face obstacles in obtaining finance, technology, and access to global markets [2].
In addition to its focus on regional connectivity, Kazakhstan promotes cooperation and innovation involving youth, women, entrepreneurs, and civil society as drivers of regional development [2]. The country's efforts include responding to humanitarian and development challenges in Afghanistan, an LLDC facing acute vulnerabilities [2].
At the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, President Tokayev emphasised Kazakhstan’s ongoing commitment to addressing LLDC challenges through international partnerships, improved transport infrastructure, and policy support that reduce economic costs and geopolitical risks for LLDCs [1][3][5]. Kazakhstan advocates for more robust regional transport links and inclusive development as essential for increasing competitiveness and stability in LLDCs [1][3].
Kazakhstan also believes that LLDCs must be seen as equal and promising partners in shaping global agenda solutions. To this end, the country has established the Alem.AI Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana and recently launched a supercomputer, inviting scientific collaboration and partnership [6].
President Tokayev, in his speech at the conference, thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan for convening the conference and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his commitment to addressing the challenges of LLDCs. He also expressed gratitude to the UN Secretary-General and all Central Asian partners for supporting Kazakhstan's initiative [4].
In April next year, Astana will host the Regional Climate Summit in partnership with the UN. Tokayev has invited all to participate in this event, emphasising the need for renewed political will from transit countries and international institutions to support the challenges faced by LLDCs [4]. Climate change is another pressing issue for LLDCs, and Tokayev called for coordinated regional efforts and strong international support [4].
Kazakhstan's support for LLDCs demonstrates that geography does not define destiny, and the region is moving from a landlocked to a landlinked future. By fostering regional cooperation, building transport and trade corridors, and promoting inclusive development, Kazakhstan is paving the way for a more interconnected and sustainable future for LLDCs.
References: [1] UN News, "Kazakhstan commits to supporting LLDCs at UN Conference," 2021. [2] Government of Kazakhstan, "Kazakhstan's Role in Supporting Landlocked Developing Countries," 2021. [3] Almaty Program of Action, "Almaty Program of Action for the Implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Countries," 1996. [4] President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, "President Tokayev invites to participate in the Regional Climate Summit in Astana," 2022. [5] UN News, "Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries concludes with calls for action," 2021. [6] Alem.AI, "About Us," n.d.
- Kazakhstan's commitment to the environmental-science sector is reflected in their advocacy for addressing climate-change issues, particularly in the context of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), as they prepare for the Regional Climate Summit next year.
- Recognizing the importance of industry and finance in fostering sustainable development, Kazakhstan has signed agreements to establish the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals, with the aim of accelerating economic connectivity and supportive inclusive growth.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, Kazakhstan's President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasized the need for robust regional transport links and inclusive development to increase competitiveness and stability among LLDCs.
- As a key player in global trade and logistics, Kazakhstan's transportation infrastructure initiatives contribute to forging stronger ties between various geographical regions, including East and West as well as North and South, thereby facilitating access to global markets for LLDCs.
