On 5 August 2025, speaking at the UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Awaza, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the initiative to convene the conference and expressed gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his commitment to addressing the challenges and realizing the opportunities of LLDCs.
“More than two decades ago, Kazakhstan took a leading role by hosting the First UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, marking the start of its longstanding engagement in this process. During that historic event, the Almaty Programme of Action was adopted, which for the first time included the issues of the LLDC Group in the global development agenda. Today, we have gathered in Awaza to undertake new efforts to further advance the tasks before us,” Tokayev emphasized.
The President of Kazakhstan called for LLDCs to be recognized as equal and promising partners in shaping global agenda solutions. “The voices of landlocked developing countries must be louder, our cooperation deeper, and our collective ambitions bolder,” said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Tokayev expressed full support for the Awaza Programme of Action as a roadmap toward an inclusive and sustainable future. “This important initiative requires political support from transit countries, international development organizations, and financial institutions. Innovative financial mechanisms are needed to stimulate investments in key sectors such as transport, energy, and digital infrastructure,” the President stated.
Another pressing issue highlighted by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was climate change. “Many LLDCs face water shortages, glacier melting, desertification, and other extreme weather events. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated regional efforts and active international support. At the same time, I believe that measures to combat climate change must remain balanced and inclusive, meeting the legitimate development needs of countries,” Tokayev said.
He noted that Kazakhstan, together with its partners, is making significant efforts to enhance regional connectivity, promote digital transformation, and foster long-term sustainable growth. “Our long-term goal is to create a unified network of railway, road, aviation, and logistics hubs. This will strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a Eurasian transit hub, which currently accounts for nearly 85% of overland cargo shipments between Asia and Europe,” the President of Kazakhstan highlighted.
Addressing regional issues, the Head of State noted that Central Asia’s experience demonstrates that geography does not determine destiny: “We are moving from the current state of being landlocked to a future where land connectivity will be just as significant. Our region showcases resilience in its socio-economic development and demonstrates that, with political will, strategic investments, and international partnerships, the lack of sea access can become a powerful driver of growth rather than an obstacle.”
“We are witnessing Central Asia transform into a region of mutually beneficial cooperation with dynamically developing potential in trade, investment, transport, communications, and sustainable resource management. Two days ago, Kazakhstan signed an agreement with the United Nations to establish the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, headquartered in Almaty. I am confident that this is a significant achievement for the entire region, fully aligned with the noble goals of the Awaza Programme. Once again, I express gratitude to the UN Secretary-General and all our Central Asian partners for supporting Kazakhstan’s initiative,” the President emphasized.
In conclusion, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s firm commitment to the goals and principles of the LLDCs. ///nCa, 6 August 2025