Landlocked Nations Demand Greater Representation - Tokayev's Argument
Kazakhstan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainable development in the region. At the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) held recently, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced Kazakhstan's ambitious plans to address the challenges faced by LLDCs.
The country has signed an agreement with the United Nations Organization to establish a Regional UN Center for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan, with Almaty as its headquarters. This centre is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation and promoting sustainable development.
President Tokayev outlined Kazakhstan's long-term goal to build an integrated network of rail, road, air, and logistics hubs. This strategic infrastructure development aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a key Eurasian transit hub, currently handling nearly 85% of overland cargo between Asia and Europe. The goal is to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade, and promote sustainable development, overcoming traditional barriers caused by being landlocked.
The President also highlighted the importance of innovative financial mechanisms to stimulate investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. Kazakhstan invites global partners to collaborate scientifically and economically in this endeavour.
In a bold move, President Tokayev has invited countries to a Regional Environmental Summit in Astana next year, in partnership with the United Nations Organization. The conference was initiated by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainable development is evident in its own initiatives. The country has established the AlemAI artificial intelligence centre in Astana and recently launched a supercomputer. Kazakhstan is making significant efforts to strengthen regional connectivity, promote digital transformation, and contribute to long-term sustainable growth.
The President reaffirmed Kazakhstan's firm commitment to the goals and principles of the LLDC group. He believes that LLDCs should be considered equal and promising partners in shaping global solutions. Kazakhstan took the lead in hosting the First UN Conference on LLDCs over two decades ago, and the Almaty Programme of Action, adopted at the first conference, included LLDC issues in the global development agenda for the first time.
However, challenges remain. Limited regional transport connections cause economic difficulties, high transit and trade costs, and vulnerability to geopolitical factors. Many LLDCs face barriers to accessing financing, technologies, and global markets. The President's focus includes the development of transport corridors and transit infrastructure along the North-South and Middle Corridor routes.
Moreover, many countries in the region are facing water scarcity, glacial melting, desertification, and other extreme weather events. The President's vision for a sustainable future emphasizes the need for resilience and the adoption of sustainable practices to combat these challenges.
In his address to the conference, President Tokayev signalled a future where enhanced land connectivity will be as pivotal as maritime access. This vision demonstrates that with political will, strategic investment, and international partnership, the status of being landlocked can become a driver of growth rather than a barrier. Kazakhstan's efforts towards regional development and sustainability serve as a beacon of hope for the LLDCs.
[1] United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). (2022). Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Retrieved from https://unctad.org/en/Pages/LLDC/Conferences/Third-UN-Conference-on-LLDCs.aspx
[2] United Nations. (n.d.). Landlocked Developing Countries. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/landlockedcountries
[3] Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2022). President Tokayev's Address at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Retrieved from https://www.akorda.kz/en/news/president-tokayevs-address-at-the-third-united-nations-conference-on-landlocked-developing-countries
[4] Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2022). Kazakhstan supports the Awaza Action Programme (2024-2034). Retrieved from https://www.akorda.kz/en/news/kazakhstan-supports-the-awaza-action-programme-2024-2034
[5] Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (2022). President Tokayev's Address at the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana. Retrieved from https://www.akorda.kz/en/news/president-tokayevs-address-at-the-regional-environmental-summit-in-astana
- Kazakhstan, recognizing the importance of science in addressing climate-change and promoting sustainable development, has invited global partners to collaborate in innovative financial mechanisms for transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.
- The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, announced ambitious plans to build an integrated transportation network, including rail, road, air, and logistics hubs, to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a key Eurasian transit hub.
- In a bid to combat the environmental challenges faced by Central Asia and Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and the United Nations Organization are establishing a Regional UN Center for Sustainable Development Goals, with Almaty as its headquarters.
- Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainable development is evident in its establishment of the AlemAI artificial intelligence center and the launch of a supercomputer, as well as its focus on the development of transport corridors and transit infrastructure.
- Acknowledging the challenges faced by Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), including limited regional transport connections and barriers to accessing financing, technologies, and global markets, President Tokayev emphasized the need for effective policy-and-legislation, public-transit, and transportation to overcome these obstacles.
