A Parliamentary Forum was held today in the Avaza National Tourist Zone as part of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. 

The main purpose of this representative meeting is to facilitate the exchange of experience between parliamentarians, develop and disseminate recommendations for the legislative bodies of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) on developing specific measures to integrate the priorities of the Action Program for the Decade into legislative and other activities. 

The current event will allow sharing practical experience in the implementation of the Vienna Program of Action, as well as contributing to the accelerated implementation of the Avaza Program of Action, including through the political activities of parliamentarians at the local, national and regional levels. 

The LLDCs parliaments have a key role to play in the upcoming implementation of a New Action Program aimed at addressing pressing issues related to the geographical location of these countries. As legislative bodies, they have the authority to adopt and enforce national laws, as well as policies designed to promote the modernization of transport infrastructure, enhance cooperation and maintain economic sustainability in the region. 

In addition, parliamentarians ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the implementation of the Decade’s Agenda, thereby acting as an important link between Government, civil society, and international partners. They actively promote fundraising and coordination of actions at the national and regional levels, which is a key factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The legislative bodies of the LLDCs also occupy one of the main positions in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Program, which makes it possible to identify potential problems in a timely manner and determine strategic directions for action. The legislative and supervisory functions of parliamentarians contribute to creating favorable conditions for attracting investment and innovation. 

The Forum, organized by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and the Office of the United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island States in cooperation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, was attended by heads and representatives of government agencies and parliaments of the LLDCs, as well as international organizations. 

Welcoming the audience, the Chairman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan noted that the unanimous adoption at the 63rd plenary session of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly of the Resolution “Additional information on the procedure for holding the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries” was evidence of great trust and respect for our country, the legal status of permanent whose neutrality has been recognized three times by the Community of Nations. 

As it was emphasized, at the suggestion of Turkmenistan, which promotes the principles of peacefulness and neutrality on the world stage, the UN adopted a number of resolutions. Dedicated to issues of peace and security, the role of dialogue and the principles of neutrality in achieving trust, energy resources and the creation of transport and transit corridors, these documents have significantly strengthened the legal framework for international cooperation in these areas.

The announcement of 2025, the “International Year of Peace and Trust”, at the initiative of Turkmenistan, also testifies to the broad support of the Community of Nations for the humane state policy of the country for the benefit of all humanity. 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, extensive work is underway to strengthen international partnership to ensure peace and security on the planet and achieve the Goals of Sustainable Development. 

In her speech, the head of the National Parliament focused on the state policy in the field of transport. As noted, independent neutral Turkmenistan makes a significant contribution to the activities of the international community in this area by ratifying and acceding to the fundamental international documents in this field. These include conventions on transit trade between intercontinental States, on cargo marks, on vessel measurement, and on combating illegal acts against the safety of civil aviation. The documents also include multilateral agreements on the establishment of international transport and transit corridors, the establishment of an international Analytical Center for Landlocked Developing Countries, and other treaties and conventions. Thus, the implementation of generally recognized norms of international law into national legislation makes it possible to accelerate Turkmenistan’s integration into the global legal, political and economic space.

In general, as the head of the Mejlis emphasized, the wide representative composition of the Forum participants in the Avaza National Tourist Zone, as well as the relevance of the issues put up for discussion, clearly demonstrate the global importance of approaches and goals initiated by Turkmenistan aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the field of sustainable transport in the interests of peace, development and well-being. 

Then the floor was given to Ms. Rabab Fatima, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island States, Secretary-General of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. 

Addressing the parliamentarians, the UN Deputy Secretary-General stressed that the adoption of the Avaza Action Program for Landlocked Developing Countries marks an important milestone. The Program outlines a specific plan to transform the problems of these countries into a driving force for sustainable development and structural reforms. 

As noted, parliamentarians have the constitutional authority to implement universal commitments at the national level through legislation, oversight, and budget decisions. The Avaza Action Program calls on parliaments to monitor the implementation of this document, adopt appropriate laws and ensure that no one is left without attention. 

Stressing that the Parliamentary Forum is an effective platform for strengthening partnerships and sharing best practices, Ms. Rabab Fatima called on everyone to join forces for the sustainable development of landlocked countries. 

The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang, in turn, noted the importance of parliaments in implementing universal commitments at the national level. 

It was emphasized that parliaments play a key role in translating the priorities of the new Action Program into concrete measures and in their successful implementation. 

As noted in the speech, within the framework of government, parliaments create a legal framework that promotes the development of trade, infrastructure, innovation, as well as the expansion of regional integration and interconnectedness. 

In addition to solving political and budgetary issues, parliaments serve as a link between the state and citizens. 

Parliaments also play a crucial role in ensuring peace and security, which are essential for sustainable development. 

Philemon Yang noted that closer cooperation between the parliaments would help solve the problems faced by landlocked developing countries and strengthen stability. In this regard, he called on all parliaments to actively participate in the adoption of laws and monitoring their implementation, which will serve as a guarantee for the practical implementation of the obligations of the international community and the General Assembly. 

Warmly welcoming the participants, Ms. Sevil Mikailova, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, noted that it was a great honor for her to speak at such an important Forum and expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the hospitality. 

“We are gathered here today to discuss the directions for the successful implementation of the Avaza Action Program,” S.Mikailova said, recalling that the Inter-Parliamentary Union has been effectively working for many years to promote innovations in the field of sustainable development through jointly organized conferences. 

Noting that the Avaza Action Program includes effective mechanisms to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth in landlocked developing countries, the Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union stressed that parliaments, as legislative bodies, must actively participate in the successful implementation of this Program. 

Then the Forum continued its work in thematic sessions.

The session devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the transition from the Vienna to the Avaza Action Program reviewed the achievements and developments in the implementation of the previous Program, which will be useful for the new Program of Action for the decade. 

Special attention of the participants was focused on the role of parliamentarians in ensuring the effective implementation of the Avaza Action Program in terms of their legislative, representative and supervisory functions. As noted, parliaments occupy a key position in raising funds, forming the legislative framework for the political course and monitoring its implementation, which is of great importance in the context of the tasks of the LLDCs. 

The main issues that these countries directly faced in the implementation of the Vienna Program of Action were touched upon during the discussion. In this regard, progress was noted in strengthening cooperation between States and international organizations, as well as in raising awareness of the needs of LLDCs. 

A separate topic of discussion was the new prospects offered by the Avaza Action Program for Sustainable Development, in particular, for expanding multilateral cooperation, innovative financial mechanisms and the availability of technology. As noted, parliamentarians should take a leading position in their promotion by powers that ensure political transparency and accountability. 

Special attention was paid to strengthening parliamentary capacity through cooperation with UN agencies, development partners and civil society. At the same time, it was emphasized that such multilateral cooperation promotes the exchange of experience, professional development and effective budgetary policy. 

Measures to stimulate investment in infrastructure, public services, and climate-change-adapted development were also discussed. The parliamentarians noted the need to ensure accountability in the implementation of such projects to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. 

The thematic session “Shaping and strengthening a multilateral trading system that meets the interests of landlocked developing countries” examined the role of parliaments in complying with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations. Despite the fact that these standards are binding on all participating States, they enter into force only after ratification and implementation at the national level. 

In the speeches of experts and parliamentarians, international trade was identified as the main factor in the economic well-being and inclusive development of the LLDCs. In this regard, the need for active participation of parliaments in the establishment of multilateral trade cooperation was emphasized, as well as the mechanisms of parliamentary control over trade agreements. 

One of the topics discussed was the opportunities associated with the growth of digital commerce, which in recent decades has led to significant transformations in the world and created new conditions for cross-border trade. The participants noted that in the digital economy, LLDCs face certain challenges that require the adoption of an appropriate legislative framework. 

The parliamentarians also discussed practical steps to strengthen the positions of these countries in the global trading system against the background of modern changes in trade policy in the global economy. In this regard, the importance of legislative measures aimed at ensuring free trade was noted. 

The tasks facing parliaments to develop digital trade and the digital economy in the LLDCs, as well as to improve the effectiveness of the application of multilateral trade agreements, were considered. Special attention was paid to the need to coordinate efforts with international organizations – the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as well as with development partners and civil society to ensure sustainable development and empower Parliament. 

Thus, the session became a constructive platform for developing recommendations on strengthening the multilateral trading system and enhancing the role of parliaments, as well as for exchanging experiences in the context of ensuring the sustainable economic development of the LLDCs. 

The role of effective and inclusive governance in the International Year of Peace and Trust in strengthening social unity, as well as in the implementation of the Avaza Action Program and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was discussed at the session “Strengthening peace, trust and responsible governance: factors of sustainable development in landlocked developing countries.”

During the discussion, the importance of broad involvement of women and youth in the decision-making process was emphasized, which will increase the effectiveness of management mechanisms. The Forum participants also noted the need for institutional reforms to empower parliament, increase inclusivity, and strengthen trust and stability in society. 

At the same time, practical developments and strategies for the development of parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue as tools for strengthening cooperation between the LLDCs and their neighboring States were considered. As it was emphasized, inclusive and responsible governance not only promotes harmony and trust within an individual country, but also allows strengthening international relations, creating prerequisites for sustainable development. 

The sides also exchanged views on the role of parliaments in promoting political dialogue and social unity, which are necessary conditions for the implementation of national and international programs. Special attention was paid to the creation of mechanisms to ensure the participation of representatives of all segments of the population in law-making activities and consideration of their interests. 

In addition, the importance of collaboration tools for maintaining institutional sustainability and improving governance in the LLDCs was emphasized. In this regard, the need to coordinate the efforts of international organizations and civil society in order to strengthen parliamentary institutions and create conditions for sustainable and inclusive development was noted. 

At the final session of the Forum, the main ideas and recommendations were systematized, which will make it possible to identify priorities for strengthening the role of parliamentarians in the implementation of the Avaza Action Program.

A Parliamentary Appeal to the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was presented to the participants, which outlined the call for LLDC parliamentarians to provide technical and financial support for the performance of their functions. In particular, it is about providing institutional recommendations and instructions from relevant international organizations, as well as assistance in mobilizing resources to build existing capacities. 

Then the floor was given to the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ms. Tanzila Narbayeva, who warmly welcomed all those gathered and expressed sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the United Nations for the invitation to participate in such an important event. 

Warmly congratulating the organizers on the successful holding of the current Forum, the Speaker of the Parliament of the friendly country stressed that holding such an authoritative international conference on topical issues on the global agenda indicates that Turkmenistan has become an important platform for international dialogue. 

In her speech, Tanzila Narbayeva also noted the importance of the Regional Interparliamentary Forum, established in 2023 at the initiative of the heads of State of Central Asia and an important platform for strengthening interstate cooperation. 

This Forum successfully held its second meeting and proved to be an effective mechanism for promoting integration and sustainable development, including the development of transport infrastructure. 

In conclusion, the Chairman of the National Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan wished success to all those gathered. 

Summing up the Forum, Ms. Rabab Fatima, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island States, Secretary-General of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, thanked everyone for their commitment to advancing the priorities of developing countries, including with access to the sea. 

As noted, the Forum discussed specific measures to increase women’s representation in the parliaments of landlocked developing countries and to create formal mechanisms for regular interaction with youth, civil society and the private sector. Such inclusive processes enhance policy effectiveness. 

Ms. Rabab Fatima congratulated everyone on the successful holding of the Forum, noting with satisfaction that today’s discussions clearly demonstrated the important role of parliaments in the upcoming implementation of the Avaza Action Program. 

At the end of the Parliamentary Forum, the participants stressed the importance of further joint efforts to strengthen the role of parliamentarians in the implementation of national and international development programs. According to the unanimous opinion of the delegates, the current event has become a significant platform for a multilateral dialogue designed to enhance the effectiveness of legislative bodies in promoting peace, trust and sustainable development. 

Expressing gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high level of organization of the Forum, the parliamentarians expressed confidence that the practical implementation of the proposals and recommendations put forward during it would help strengthen the role of parliamentary institutions in the international arena and increase the importance of their contribution to achieving the Goals of Sustainable Development.