UN - United Nations

01/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2025 17:05

Endorsing Resolution, General Assembly Calls Upon All Stakeholders to Implement 2024–2034 Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries

Endorsing Resolution, General Assembly Calls Upon All Stakeholders to Implement 2024-2034 Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries

Text on UN Cooperation with Community-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Also Adopted

The General Assembly today adopted a resolution containing the "Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034" - which focuses on diversifying economies, promoting trade, supporting jobs and enhancing climate resilience over the next 10 years in that group of nations - calling upon all stakeholders to commit to implementing it.

In that action programme - listed in the annex of document A/79/L.21 - the Assembly recommitted to expediting action on the Sustainable Development Goals, calling for increased investment, including through international cooperation, and taking necessary measures to harmonize skills development and training programmes at the national and regional levels.

The Programme of Action, which was originally adopted 24 December 2024 (see Press Release GA/12671), also lays out Member States' commitments to substantially increasing investment from all sources in research and development, and in building accessible, reliable and affordable digital infrastructure. The Assembly committed to doubling the contribution of manufacturing value added to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the landlocked developing countries by 2034. Further, 193-member body urged development partners to support landlocked developing countries in strengthening strategic coherence between trade and investment policies, and industrial policy objectives.

"The 570 million people living in the landlocked developing countries deserve nothing less," said Assembly President Philémon Yang (Cameroon). "For too long, they have faced unique challenges to trade, connectivity and development," he added. Recent shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, rising prices worldwide, geopolitical tensions and the deepening impact of climate change, have only intensified their vulnerabilities.

"The combined gross domestic product of landlocked developing countries in 2023 came in at 8 per cent below pre-pandemic projections," he went on to say, commending these countries for their "resilience and ability to quickly reverse negative trends". The Assembly, "the great drum that gives voice to all peoples and nation", will monitor implementation of the programme of action, he pledged.

Rabab Fatima, Secretary-General of the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, said the group of countries face profound challenges. To address their issues, the new Programme of Action proposes regional agricultural hubs, which can help transform the sector and spearhead efforts toward sustainable development.

"Internet usage is far below the global average," she added, emphasizing the need to bridge the gender gap in the area. On trade, she said that landlocked developing countries face 40 per cent higher trade costs than coastal States. Climate finance remains grossly insufficient for landlocked developing countries, she added, noting that the Programme of Action underscores the need to urge development partners to honour their official development assistance (ODA) commitments.

"This instrument must be a catalyst to eliminate structural barriers," said Diego Pary Rodríguez (Bolivia), Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries. Many of these countries have taken many measures to diversify their economies, but the Programme of Action has the potential to build new alliances that can provide them with the economic, political and technological tools to overcome barriers.

He pointed out that the lack of development of regional transport corridors continues to undermine their participation in global trade. "Trade remains a critical means for the landlocked developing countries to achieve economic growth," he said. "We also ask for your support in capacity-building initiatives that will allow landlocked developing countries to comply with global trade standards," he added, stressing the importance of fostering international cooperation in the transfer of clean technology to strengthen responses to climate change.

Cooperation between United Nations and Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries

By adopting a text titled "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries" (document A/79/L.43), the Assembly also stressed the importance of strengthening the cooperation between the Community and United Nations specialized agencies and other entities and programmes.

By other terms of that resolution, the Assembly stressed the importance of partnership and cooperation between the UN and other relevant organizations, including the Community, to improve coordination and cooperation in peacebuilding and sustaining peace.

Appointment of Member of Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions

On other matters, the Assembly appointed Alexandra Arias (Dominican Republic) as a member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for a term of office beginning on 31 January and expiring on 31 December. She replaces Olivio Fermín, also of the Dominican Republic, who resigned effective 31 January.

Application of Article 19 of UN Charter

The Assembly also noted that Antigua and Barbuda has made the payments necessary to reduce its arrears in assessed contributions to the United Nations below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter.