Awaza: Cyprus has voiced strong support for the empowerment and integration of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) during the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. The statement was delivered by the Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, who emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive and forward-looking framework to address the challenges faced by LLDCs.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ms. Hadjimanolis highlighted the importance of collective action to tackle structural challenges, enhance resilience to economic shocks, and expedite progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The conference, held in Awaza, Turkmenistan, served as a reminder of the global responsibility to strengthen multilateralism, renew international cooperation, and advance the implementation of Agenda 2030.
Cyprus expressed its support for the Awaza Programme of Action for the Decade 2024-2034, viewing it as a crucial roadmap for integrating the priorities of LLDCs into the global development agenda. The statement underscored Cyprus’ solidarity with LLDCs and recognized the shared challenges faced by both landlocked and small island states, such as reliance on trade corridors and exposure to external shocks.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the strategic importance of enhancing regional transport corridors, boosting digital connectivity, and advancing multimodal transit systems across Africa, Asia, and Central Europe. Cyprus drew attention to the European Union’s experience in integrating landlocked regions through infrastructure investment and regulatory alignment, offering it as a model for global adaptation.
Additionally, Cyprus stressed the need for improved access to development financing for LLDCs through various mechanisms, including blended finance instruments, climate adaptation funding, and South-South and Triangular Cooperation. The role of the UN Office of the High Representative for LLDCs, LDCs, and SIDS was highlighted as vital to these efforts, with a call to align LLDC support with global financing frameworks like the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
In her address, Ms. Hadjimanolis reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to sustainable development linked with peace, governance, and resilience. She advocated for integrated approaches that connect development and humanitarian responses, ensuring inclusive growth that benefits all communities, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Cyprus’ commitment to inclusive multilateralism and its engagement within the multilateral system were also reiterated. As a former member of the Group of Small Island Developing States, Cyprus has experienced the benefits of mechanisms promoting equitable participation and continues to support initiatives like the Voluntary Technical Assistance Trust Fund.
Looking ahead, Cyprus pledges to uphold the spirit of multilateralism and champion key priorities, including education access, protection of children’s rights, gender equality, economic, social, and cultural rights, and addressing the human rights impacts of climate change during its term in the Human Rights Council from 2025 to 2027.