00:00We gather today to reaffirm a fundamental truth.
00:06Geography should never define destiny.
00:11Yet, for the 32 landlocked developing countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America,
00:19geography too often limits development opportunities and entrenches inequality.
00:30The third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Awaza, Turkmenistan,
00:36convened world leaders, international policy makers and key stakeholders to chart a path forward for 32 landlocked nations.
00:44The conference-themed Driving Progress Through Partnerships served as a crucial platform to address structural challenges,
00:52mobilise investment and implement the newly adopted Awaza Programme of Action.
00:56The programme sets out a 10-year blueprint to overcome structural barriers,
01:02channel investment where it is most needed and strengthen the partnerships that can turn vulnerability into opportunity.
01:08Here, in Turkmenistan, we talk about the problems of developing countries that have not been able to go to the sea,
01:15on the paths of their decisions.
01:17We talk about the position of creating and equalization,
01:21mutual respect and account of interests,
01:25caring about our people, people, their real and future.
01:30I'm confident that we are on the right path and we achieve success.
01:35Delegates from every region shared how connectivity and cooperation could redefine their country's futures.
01:40It is important for landlocked countries like Nepal because it is bringing all partners,
01:47all development partners and all the stakeholders to transform the landlockedness into the land-linkedness of landlocked developing countries
01:56so that they can also integrate to the global trading system,
02:01they can also grow their economies and they can also bring prosperity to their people.
02:05South-South Corporation was highlighted as a way to share knowledge, pull resources and build resilience.
02:12South-South Corporation is important because it brings countries together, right?
02:19It will enable those countries to share experiences and resources, capitalize on each other's strengths,
02:27and it will also ensure that some of those key challenges are, you know, bringing other partners on the table.
02:38Specifically when it comes to Triangle Cooperation,
02:41where also the countries can benefit from the expertise of other countries who have been there, done that.
02:49Speakers acknowledge that geography brings constraints, but also opportunities, if nations act collectively.
02:54The conference is very much important and timely.
03:00All of the LDC countries are faced with tough challenges.
03:04The recent geopolitical tension has cast a shadow over the growth profile of many countries.
03:11It's time to come together and discuss solutions.
03:14Portugal is here because we need inclusive and innovative solutions for challenges that do not occur in isolation.
03:21We strive for common solutions in implementing the AWASA program of action.
03:27I would say that consensus is timely and action is urgent.
03:32Many saw AWASAs more than a venue, a possible turning point in global cooperation.
03:37Once this conference and the goals that have been outlined are implemented,
03:44this will no doubt go down in history as the conference that did bring about a paradigm shift
03:51that will promote peace, security and stability for economic development.
03:56We've met many countries that are in similar circumstances as ours.
04:02We shouldn't be disadvantaged because of our geographical position.
04:06We should look at what our opportunities are and what collaborations can be made.
04:10It was a sentiment echoed by Turkmenistan's youth forum,
04:13who put the next generation at the heart of transformation.
04:16This forum was not just discussion.
04:18It was a turning point that young people are not only beneficiaries but co-creators of our collective future
04:27as drivers of economic transformation, social cohesion and international peace.
04:33On the final day, Delegates endorsed the AWASA Program of Action,
04:36adopted the AWASA Political Declaration,
04:38a 10-year plan to drive economic transformation,
04:41strengthen regional trade, improve infrastructure,
04:44boost climate resilience and unlock financing.
04:47Its legacy will depend on whether the resolve shown here becomes real action
04:51that changes lives far beyond Turkmenistan's shores.
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