Landlocked Developing Countries: Looking Back and Ahead | Accelerating Action in the next 10 Years

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Landlocked Developing Countries: Looking Back and Ahead

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Landlocked Developing Countries: Looking Back and Ahead | Accelerating Action in the next 10 Years

August 4, 2025

This publication provides a comprehensive overview of UNDP's support to Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) during the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action, from 2014–2024, whereby UNDP invested more than USD 12.5 billion in LLDCs across areas such as governance, climate resilience, economic transformation, and financing for development. It also outlines priorities for the new decade under the Awaza Programme of Action (2024–2034).

The publication details UNDP’s efforts to address LLDCs’ unique structural challenges: geographic isolation, trade constraints, low FDI, and climate vulnerability. UNDP’s initiatives have included support for strengthening governance systems and institutional capacities, regional connectivity and trade, local economic development and support for MSMEs, climate resilience and energy transitions, natural resource management, harnessing extractive industries for sustainable development, access to essential services such as health, education, and social protection, investing in human capital and skills development, driving digital transformation, financing sustainable development, and sustainable LDC graduation of LLDCs.

Looking ahead to the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs (2024–2034), UNDP outlines its strategic commitment to accelerating inclusive and sustainable development through transformative solutions. Its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan emphasizes effective governance, sustainable finance, climate action, digital transformation, and human capital development, each essential for building resilient, diversified economies. UNDP will continue to translate its expertise into lasting impact, ensuring landlocked geography becomes a platform for innovation and prosperity for LLDCs around the world.