Youth Forum Kicks Off in Turkmenistan’s Avaza as Curtain Raiser for UN LLDC3 Summit

The Youth Forum officially opened in Avaza, Turkmenistan, serving as a prelude to the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3), set to take place from August 5 to 8.

Bringing together young leaders from 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), along with representatives from UN member states, international organizations, and civil society, the forum aims to amplify youth voices in shaping global development strategies, The Caspian Post reports per Turkmen media.

Participants include members of the LLDC3 Youth Advisory Group, UN officials, and grassroots youth activists.

The highlight of the event will be the adoption of the Youth Declaration titled “Building Bridges for the Future of LLDCs”. This key document was crafted by the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organizations (ICMYO) and the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), in partnership with the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).

The forum focuses on youth engagement in implementing the upcoming Programme of Action for LLDCs, fostering dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and generating innovative, youth-led approaches to socio-economic development in landlocked nations.

Throughout the multi-day event, delegates are participating in thematic sessions on climate change, digital transformation, trust-building, and demographic opportunity. Youth leaders are also sharing projects and proposals to actively contribute to the LLDC agenda.

The forum will conclude with the formal presentation of the Youth Declaration to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring the global youth community’s commitment to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for LLDCs.