Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS)

31 March 2025 

Lusaka, Zambia 

All 

The annual meeting of LDCs NFPs was held on the margins of the Third LDCs Future Forum. The meeting took stock of the status of DPoA integration and mainstreaming in National Development Plans and strategized on how to accelerate DPoA Implementation. 

4-8 Aug with pre-conference events on 3 Aug 2025 

Awaza, Turkmenistan 

ALL 

The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) was an intergovernmentally mandated conference convened to undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the Vienna Programme of Action (2014–2024) and to adopt a new programme for the next decade. The Conference adopted the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (2024–2034) and endorsed a Political Declaration reaffirming global commitment to support LLDCs in achieving inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development. The Awaza Programme of Action aligns closely with the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs, focusing on trade facilitation, regional connectivity, digital transformation, structural economic transformation, and climate resilience. LLDC3 fostered strong partnerships among governments, the UN system, international financial institutions, and other stakeholders to accelerate progress toward the SDGs in LLDCs. 

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UNOHRLLS  

LDCs & LLDCs  

The reports provide information on the implementation of Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs and Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs. The reports examine progress made towards the objectives of the Programmes of Action, highlight key developments in their implementation framework and offers strategic recommendations for accelerating advancement towards PoA goals and overall sustainable development. 

English 

 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17 

UNOHRLLS   

LDCs  

Higher education in STEM offers the LDCs a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional development models, and shift directly to service-based economies. The proposed online university for LDCs, would facilitate and expand access to high-quality learning opportunities, in particular for the poorest and most marginalized populations, in line with the Doha Programme of Action and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs.  

Currently in English will be in all six official languages  

1, 8, 9, 12, 17 

UNOHRLLS, UNCTAD, WTO, ITU 

LDCs 

As more LDCs reach or approach the threshold for graduation, and with the goal of bringing at least 15 additional LDCs into the graduation pipeline by 2031, it is imperative to strengthen their capacity to leverage global trade for sustainable and irreversible graduation. Enhancing LDCs’ ability to diversify exports, integrate into global and regional value chains, and adapt to emerging trade trends will be key to achieving long-term sustainable development. 

English 

All SDGs 

UNOHRLLS 

Member States, UN system entities, regional organizations, development partners, and LDC stakeholders 

OHRLLS developed a concise set of indicators to monitor and evaluate the implementation progress of the Doha Programme of Action. The monitoring framework was designed to ensure accountability, track progress, and inform policy decisions. The process mapped DPoA targets against global frameworks, notably the 2030 Agenda, to promote coherence and reduce reporting burdens. Of the 113 DPoA targets, 72 align closely with SDG targets, for which existing SDG indicators are applied. For the remaining targets, new indicators were identified based on methodological soundness, data availability, comparability, and accessibility from custodian agency data platforms. The final DPoA monitoring framework includes 165 indicators (133 unique) covering all 113 targets. 

English 

ALL 

UN-OHRLLS 

Member States, UN system entities, regional organizations, development partners, and LLDC stakeholders 

Adopted at LLDC3 in Awaza, Turkmenistan, the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034) provides the global development framework for LLDCs for the next decade. It aligns with the 2030 Agenda and emphasizes enhanced connectivity, trade facilitation, digital transformation, climate resilience, and structural economic transformation. The document serves as a strategic guide for coordinated national, regional, and international action to accelerate SDG achievement in LLDCs, with a strong focus on partnerships and policy coherence. 

English + UN official language translations 

ALL 

UN-OHRLLS 

UN system entities, regional commissions, national focal points for LLDCs, and development partners 

The LLDC Roadmap and Results Framework provides an operational tool to monitor and coordinate implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action and relevant SDG targets. It consolidates agency inputs and aligns actions with the UN system’s collaborative support for LLDCs, emphasizing data-driven monitoring, cross-sectoral linkages, and strengthened accountability. The Framework will guide reporting to ECOSOC and the High-level Political Forum on progress achieved by LLDCs toward the SDGs. 

English 

ALL 

UN-OHRLLS 

National Focal Points, incl. National governments of LLDCs, planning ministries, UN Country Teams, regional organizations, and development partners 

This toolkit supports national authorities and UN Country Teams in integrating the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs (2024–2034) and relevant SDGs into national and sectoral development strategies. It provides practical guidance, templates, and case studies to strengthen policy coherence, inter-ministerial coordination, and monitoring frameworks. The toolkit emphasizes interlinkages across SDGs, including trade, transport connectivity, climate resilience, and digital transformation, to ensure a whole-of-government approach to implementation. It also aligns with UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) to enhance system-wide support for LLDC priorities. 

English 

SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 17  

OHRLLS  

SIDS governments & private sector; International community engaging with SIDS.  

SIDS are small, remote economies with narrow, tourism- and commodity-based structures, leaving them highly exposed to external shocks and climate change. Building resilience requires diversification and a stronger private sector—especially MSMEs, which drive jobs, innovation, and technology uptake for inclusive, sustainable growth. The ABAS urges international support to create enabling environments for investment, entrepreneurship, and business development. This is vital given SIDS’ structural hurdles: limited access to finance, high infrastructure costs, heavy debt, and distance from markets, all of which deter capital and slow private-sector development. Evidence highlights the value of public–private partnerships, digitalization, and regional integration to overcome scale constraints and broaden growth. This report synthesizes the SIDS business environment to inform targeted policy, improve global integration, and unlock development potential. 

English  

SDG 9, 17, 4, 8   

OHRLLS  

SIDS governments & private sector; International community engaging with SIDS.  

This report examines digital transformation in Kiribati, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It identifies key enablers—beyond broadband infrastructure—such as digital payment, ID, and connectivity platforms, and supportive policy, legislative, and regulatory frameworks. The study highlights the need for independent institutions on data protection, consumer rights, and cybersecurity, and for greater public–private collaboration to drive e-government, e-commerce, and digital trade. It recommends regulatory reforms including unified licensing, infrastructure sharing, spectrum allocation, and national IXPs to reduce costs and expand access, positioning these SIDS to accelerate inclusive, resilient, and innovation-driven digital economies. 

English  

SDG 13, 17, 10, 14, 15     

OHRLLS  

SIDS governments; International community engaging with SIDS.  

SIDS face disproportionate climate impacts but lack standardized methods and data to quantify loss and damage. Existing tools like DaLA and PDNA overlook long-term and non-economic effects, while complex finance mechanisms limit access to funds. Tailored financing models are needed—prioritizing flexibility, grants-based and trigger-based mechanisms, and direct access for SIDS. Strengthening debt sustainability support and ensuring SIDS representation in decision-making are also essential. At the national level, streamlined reporting, regional coordination, and integration with climate plans can reduce administrative burdens. Establishing robust data systems, inclusive frameworks, and a loss and damage finance tag will enhance transparency and resource allocation. Ultimately, regionally tailored, capacity-driven approaches can empower SIDS to report effectively, build resilience, and secure the financial support needed to recover from and adapt to escalating climate impacts. 

English  

IRENA, UNIDO, ESCAP, ESCWA 

7 

LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS 

Policy Brief on Advancing SDG7 in the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. 

For LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, closing the energy access gap, transitioning to decarbonized energy systems, and climate-resilience remain major challenges. Without urgent and scaled-up efforts in these countries, the world will fall short of its Sustainable Development Goal  7 target of universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services by 2030. 

This document is part of a series of policy briefs compiled by the multistakeholder SDG7 Technical Advisory Group (SDG7 TAG) in support of the review of SDG7 at the High-level Political Forum (HLPF) 2025. 

UNDRR, WMO 

9, 11, 17 

LDCs 

The Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the decade 2022-2031 (DPOA) adopted in March 2022, has placed high priority on addressing climate change and building resilience by including this among its six priority areas. 

The DPOA calls for reinforcing the comprehensive multi-hazard early warning systems and resilience-building measures for the LDCs. Furthermore, the DPoA mandates the UN Secretary-General to undertake a comprehensive study on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in the least developed countries (LDCs), including the existing arrangements, lessons learned and identified gaps. 

In response to this request, the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, in cooperation with UNDRR and WMO, prepared the study entitled “Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in the Least Developed Countries”. 

IRENA, UNIDO, ESCAP, ESCWA 

2 

LDCs 

DPoA mandated the Secretary-General of the United Nations to explore the feasibility, effectiveness, and administrative modalities of a system of food stockholding for the LDCs. The Secretary-General submitted its report  (A/77/291)  which concluded that stockholding is “a vital part of the solution to food insecurity in the LDCs. It further proposed that “a special food reserve system dedicated to LDCs could be created within existing relevant multilateral organizations.”  

Subsequently, the SG’s report (A/79/540) identified two potential modes of operation for the Food Stockholding Mechanism (FSM): a mix of physical and virtual stocks.The balance between physical and virtual stocks would depend on country circumstances and the institutional framework adopted.  

The SG report further proposed that urgent action should be taken to prepare a detailed feasibility study in consultation with relevant organizations. OHRLLS is currently preparing the feasibility with the guidance of the Task Force on the operationalization of the LDC Food Stockholding Mechanism. 

UN system entities and related international entities 

ALL 

All 32 Landlocked Developing Countries 

The IACG on LLDCs is the main UN coordination platform to support the implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs (2024–2034) and the 2030 Agenda. It promotes joint planning, knowledge sharing, and technical cooperation among UN entities and partners in areas such as infrastructure connectivity, clean energy, water management, and urban resilience. In 2025, the IACG supported the development of the LLDC Roadmap and Results Framework and facilitated inter-agency alignment with SDGs 

ITC, IRENA, UN ESCAP,  

Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), 

SIDS and Friends of SIDS  

The Small Island Developing States Global Business Network (SIDS-GBN), mobilizes private sector innovation and partnerships to advance the ABAS and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Network promotes knowledge-sharing, fosters public–private collaboration, and highlights best practices for sustainable and inclusive growth across SIDS. 

Between November 2024 and October 2025, SIDS-GBN convened several key engagements, including: 

Private-Sector Priorities for ABAS webinar (Nov 2024) 

Climate-Finance Partnerships and PPPs for a Green, Resilient Transition side events at COP29 (Nov 2024) 

Asia-Pacific Business Forum session on SIDS resilience (Apr 2025) 

UNOC3 - Two Side Events on Ocean-Based Economies and Innovate, Invest, Inspire, private investment, technology, and blue-economy models (Jun 2025) 

Blue-Green Economy Development webinar (Oct 2025, planned). 

Together, these initiatives strengthened private-sector engagement and investment toward resilient, sustainable SIDS economies. 

OHRLLS publication 

ALL 

All 32 Landlocked Developing Countries as well as developing partners and transit countries 

 The “Cost of Being Landlocked” represents a multifaceted barrier that these countries must overcome, ranging from limited access to international markets and high transport costs to underdeveloped systems of human development, and compounded by growing climate and debt crises. The severity of these challenges is such that half of the poorest 30 countries in the world are landlocked.  

The Cost of Being Landlocked, as comprehensively estimated for the first time in this landmark report, remains high. As we commence the implementation of the Programme of Action for the LLDCs for the Decade 20242034, this report highlights where LLDCs stand, where their development weaknesses lie, and where more must urgently be done. It is a call to action for governments, the private sector, international organizations, and all stakeholders to redouble their efforts, collaborate more effectively, and deliver on our shared commitment to build a more prosperous, sustainable, and interconnected world for all. 

OHRLLS publication 

ALL 

All 32 Landlocked Developing Countries as well as developing partners and transit countries 

 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face structural challenges with transport and trade processes that contribute to high logistical costs on trade. This report develops a dataset on unit logistics costs measured in $/ton, disaggregated by origin, destination, commodity, and mode of transport, as the basis of a comparative analysis of LLDC logistics costs relative to other economies. 

This report highlights the critical need for coordinated national, regional and global interventions to alleviate the high logistics cost burden on LLDCs and support their efforts to achieve sustainable development and greater integration into global trade networks. 

OHRLLS publication 

ALL 

All 32 Landlocked Developing Countries as well as developing partners and transit countries 

The 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) face a unique set of vulnerabilities to climate change due to their geographic circumstances, structural economic challenges, and limited mitigation and adaptation capacities.  

LLDCs are disproportionately situated in internal drylands, where desertification and heat stress are worsening, and mountainous regions especially exposed to melting glaciers, landslides and flash floods. 

With roughly 12 per cent of the world’s land surface, LLDCs suffered more than 20 per cent of the total number of droughts and landslides between 2012 and 2023. And despite representing just 7 per cent of the world’s population, LLDCs accounted for about 18 per cent of the globally affected population by droughts and landslides over this period. 

LLDCs depend on complex transit routes for access to international markets. When these routes are undermined by disasters and extreme weather events, LLDCs’ access to global markets is severed, jeopardizing their trade and competitiveness. 

OHRLLS publication 

ALL 

All 32 Landlocked Developing Countries as well as developing partners and transit countries 

 This collection of think pieces was compiled by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS). The collection was prepared under the overall guidance of Rabab Fatima, UnderSecretaryGeneral and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.