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Global LLDC Workshop Concludes with Renewed Momentum to Strengthen Trade and Transport Connectivity
New York, 11 May 2026 — The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), in collaboration with key UN partners, successfully concluded the Global Workshop on Advancing Trade and Transport Connectivity for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), held from 5–8 May 2026 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi.
The four-day global workshop brought together policymakers from LLDCs and transit countries, alongside technical experts, development partners, and financial institutions, to strengthen evidence-based approaches to trade and transport connectivity—a critical enabler for sustainable development in landlocked nations.
LLDCs continue to face structural challenges due to their lack of direct access to the sea, resulting in higher trade costs, infrastructure gaps, and limited integration into the global economy.
The workshop delivered practical training and fostered peer exchange through two interconnected segments. Participants gained hands-on experience in evaluating trade and transport costs and identifying bottlenecks along transit corridors, as well as learning how to develop bankable infrastructure projects and leverage digital innovations to facilitate trade and improve connectivity.
Programmes of Action for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS
Serving 92 vulnerable member states.
The United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) supports groups of vulnerable countries in the United Nations system. The 44 Least Developed Countries, 32 Landlocked Developing Countries and 39 Small Island Developing States have their own special challenges.
LDC Future Forum 2026
19-21 May 2026, Helsinki, Finland
The Fourth LDC Future Forum represents a strategic moment to convert the energy and creativity of youth into concrete progress through targeted investments in education, innovation, decent jobs, and inclusive growth. This ambition reflects the vision of the Doha Programme of Action, which regards youth and human capital as essential to development and graduation from LDC status.
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Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
5 - 8 August 2025, Awaza, Turkmenistan
4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States
27-30 May 2024, Antigua and Barbuda
Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries
5-9 March 2023, Doha, Qatar
Events
Least Developed
Countries
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) represent the poorest and most vulnerable segment of the international community.
2025 LDC Graduation Guide
Landlocked Developing
Countries
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face challenges due to their remoteness, lack of territorial access to the sea and significant distance from world markets.
Small Island
Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are remote from world markets and suffer from climate change and fragile natural environments.
