The Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) officially opened today in the city of Awaza, Turkmenistan, drawing high-level participation from across the globe.

The opening ceremony was attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, along with numerous heads of state, government officials, and representatives from international organizations.

The conference, which runs through August 8, brings together over 20 heads of state and government, along with around 3,000 delegates from civil society, academia, youth organizations, and the private sector.

This high-profile gathering aims to strengthen international cooperation and mobilize support for the sustainable development of landlocked developing countries, which face unique geographical and economic challenges due to their lack of access to seaports.