Excellencies,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

At the outset, I wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Turkmenistan for the warm hospitality and excellent organization of this important Conference, as well as to the relevant departments of the United Nations for their dedicated efforts in supporting its successful convening. We also thank the Conference Preparatory Committee bureau members, under the able leadership of the distinguished Co-Chairs, the Permanent Representatives of Mongolia and Austria, for their valued contributions and stewardship of this process. Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to the delegation of Botswana for its leadership in negotiating the Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024-2034, just adopted by the General Assembly on behalf of the G77 and China.

Excellencies,

With the adoption of this tailored Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), representing 32 Member States that face unique development challenges due to their landlocked status, we are reminded of the urgent need to address their particular development priorities. Even though this Programme of Action goes beyond the 2030 Agenda, action must begin today to ensure that LLDCs are not left behind, and that the implementation of this Programme provides the guidance and support required in this regard.

LLDCs' geographical remoteness, multiple border crossings, lengthy transit procedures, insufficient logistical systems, and inadequate infrastructure continue to generate significantly higher transport and trade transaction costs compared to other countries. This imposes a heavy burden that constrains economic growth, undermines sustainable development efforts, and impedes the achievement of national development goals. It is in this spirit that we reaffirm the commitment of the international community, as first recognized by the General Assembly during its 28th Session, to take special measures in addressing the unique needs of LLDCs.

Excellencies,

The G77 and China fully supports this ambitious Programme of Action, which provides LLDCs with the necessary tools to address their development challenges, including those arising from remoteness, limited productive capacities and connectivity, inadequate funding, high debt burdens, commodity price volatility, and the growing threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and disasters. We firmly believe that strengthened partnerships, at bilateral, regional, and international levels, will be essential in enabling LLDCs to overcome these constraints and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The Group underlines the importance of building the productive capacities of LLDCs, promoting value addition and export diversification, and advancing up global value chains. Equally, it is crucial to intensify industrialization efforts and harness science, technology, and innovation to unleash their full potential.

The G77 and China calls for the full implementation of all previous commitments to support LLDCs in overcoming their challenges. We urge for enhanced and scaled-up support, including predictable financing and technical cooperation. We stress that developed countries have a special responsibility to provide the means of implementation, and we call upon them to honor both existing and new commitments.

We also recognize with gratitude the solidarity of countries of the South, whose continued support within the framework of South-South Cooperation remains an essential pillar for advancing the development aspirations of LLDCs.

Excellencies,

In conclusion, the G77 and China reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the LLDCs and affirms its commitment to the full and effective implementation of this Programme of Action.

I thank you.