President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon spoke at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held in Awaza.
In his speech, Emomali Rahmon emphasized the critical importance of the conference for assessing the outcomes of the Vienna Programme of Action for 2014–2024 and defining new priorities for the upcoming period. He expressed gratitude to President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the UN leadership for the high level of organization of the event.
The Tajik head of state noted that sustainable development of landlocked countries is only possible with effective mechanisms to overcome transit and infrastructure limitations. According to him, a key factor for success in this regard is the development of transport-transit corridors and the strengthening of mutually beneficial regional cooperation.
Emomali Rahmon outlined the measures taken by Tajikistan since its independence to address communication isolation. Notably, over 2,500 kilometers of roads and approximately 40 kilometers of transport tunnels have been reconstructed or built in recent years. Additionally, the country is actively advancing the digitalization of transport and trade infrastructure, including in line with WTO standards.
The President devoted particular attention to energy issues, noting that 98% of Tajikistan’s electricity is generated from hydropower, positioning the country as a global leader in the share of “green” energy. He also highlighted the adoption of a national strategy for the development of a “green” economy through 2037, aimed at fully transitioning to renewable energy sources.
President Rahmon stressed that investments and advanced technologies are essential for improving energy efficiency and mitigating climate risks. He linked the development of “green” energy to the fight against climate change, noting that its adverse effects are particularly acute in vulnerable countries, including LLDCs.
Tajikistan, Rahmon noted, remains an active participant in international initiatives on water resources and climate. He pointed out that only one-third of the population in landlocked countries has access to safe drinking water, while the melting of glaciers—the primary source of fresh water—poses a global crisis.
In this context, he recalled the International Conference on Glacier Preservation held in Dushanbe, co-organized with the UN, and expressed confidence that its outcomes would contribute to advancing the global agenda on water resources, climate, and sustainable development. The President also underscored the importance of implementing the UN resolution, co-initiated by Tajikistan and France, declaring 2025–2034 as the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences.
In conclusion, Emomali Rahmon expressed confidence that the international community’s efforts to support landlocked countries, including through investments, climate financing, and technological assistance, would help remove barriers to their sustainable development and the achievement of the UN’s 2030 Agenda goals. ///nCa, 6 August 2025