“We hold at a central moment, which marks a deep passage to consider these nations as isolated and constrained by geography to recognize them as economies linked to dynamic land at the heart of the socio-economic resurgence of Africa,” said Samuel Doe, a resident representative of the United Nations Program for the Development of the United Nations (Predict) in Ethiopia.

A new UNDP position paper – Economies linked to the terms of Africa: paths of prosperity and development – explores the new account of African LLDCs, “rewrite the history of one of the geographic limits to strategic advantage”.

Mr. Doe, speaking on behalf of the UNDP in Africa, presented the document at a press conference on the margins of the third United Nations Conference on the LLDC (LLDC3), which has been underway since Tuesday in Awaza, Turkmenistan.

“For decades, African LLDCs have been defined by their lack of direct access to the sea, often perceived as a drawback that limits trade, growth and development,” he said.

“Today, African LLDCs take advantage of their strategic centrality and their regional connectivity to become vital centers of economic, trade and innovation activity.”

He cited, among others, the Kigali logistics platform of Rwanda of 130,000 hectares-a lively regional center, connecting Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi to the coastal economies of Kenya and Tanzania.

In addition, Ethiopia facilitates the crucial commercial roads of South Sudan in Djibouti – including the shortening of public transport by rail from 72 hours to 12 hours – and operates its national airline, emerging as a vital vital air transport connector that is breeding Africa with international markets.

Meanwhile, Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe anchor the North-South Pivot corridor, connecting southern Africa to the wider continental markets.

Globally, the LLDC represent seven% of the world’s population but contribute only about 1.1% of world trade.

The UNDP notes that although the contribution of African LLDCs to world trade can be minimal, they provide regional and continental markets with strategic goods and services, including diamonds, copper, gold, coffee, sugar, as well as textiles and clothes.

“Linkled moves the story”

An essential element of the quarter-work on the continent is the African continental free trade area (AFCFTA), which entered into force in January 2021 and represents the largest free trade area in the world with a market of 1.2 billion people.

Most African LLDCs are members of the AFCFTA, which already reduce commercial obstacles, unlocking large opportunities for LLDCs to participate actively and to benefit from intra-African and global trade, according to the UNDP.

“The land link returns the story: the domestic countries become bridges, not obstacles. With AFCFTA, the LLDC can transform geography into a competitive advantage-goods, services, services and data faster and more affordable across Africa and beyond, “said Doe.

The change also requires coordinated political reforms, as well as to take advantage of innovation, inclusive governance, resilience and financing to stimulate sustainable and inclusive growth.

The document also cites digital connectivity as a “transformative path” for African LLDCs to transcend geographic constraints and establish direct links with regional and global markets.

According to the 2024 International Telecommunication Union (Itu) Facts and figures, 39% of the LLDCS population is online, with Internet access in African LLDCs reaching up to 20%.

The current digital landscape, although difficult, demonstrates that African LLDCs are positioned to take advantage of innovative connectivity solutions that bypass traditional dependencies on neighboring coastal countries, according to the PUDP Paper. Despite these LLDCs continue to count on neighboring coastal countries for access to submarine cables.

“We are also concerned about the fact that developing countries without coastline do not easily have access to submarine cables” Cosmason Zavazava, director of the ITU telecommunications development office, told journalists in Awaza.

“And for those who are doubly landlocked, it is a biggest challenge because you must have good relations with your neighbors so that you can communicate.”

Find all our cover on LLDC3 here.

It is estimated that 476 million indigenous peoples live in 90 countries, representing 5,000 different cultures.

Without appropriate guarantees, AI risks harming indigenous rights thanks to an inequitable distribution of revolutionary technology, environmental damage and the strengthening of damaged colonial inheritances.

The growing quantity of electricity production necessary for AI data centers and other infrastructures also intensifies the pressures of climate change, according to the UN.

When located near the land of indigenous peoples, AI data sites can exacerbate environmental degradation, negatively affecting the ecosystems on which they depend.

In addition, AI decisions are often made by governments and large technological companies excluding any consultation with Aboriginal peoples. This meant that indigenous language, knowledge and culture are regularly included in AI data sets without consent, perpetuating the appropriation and distorting models of indigenous peoples.

Despite challenges and risks, AI also presents new opportunities. Around the world, Aboriginal peoples have explored the use of AI, using it as a tool to preserve intergenerational knowledge, empower young people and preserve culture, language and identity.

The guarantees and innovations of indigenous peoples in the field of AI are at the center of the International Day of Aboriginal Peoples of this year, as well as recipients of the Equator Prize.

Ecuador Price 2025

To commemorate the day, the United Nations Development Program (Predict) announced the ten community organizations led by natives who will be recipient of the 2025 Equator price.

This prize pays tribute to the solutions based on the environment led by indigenous peoples who promote sustainable development, the winners demonstrating the theme of this year prize, “Nature for Climate Action”.

The winners will receive $ 10,000, will be honored at an online ceremony of a high level later this year and could join world events, including the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Conference on Climate Change, COP30, which takes place in Brazil later this year.

Recipient

The recipients of Latin America include cooperativa of Mujeres Artesanas del Gran Chaco (Comar) in Argentina, Associação uasei dos povos Indígenas de Oiapoque (Uasei) in Brazil, the Hakhu Amazon Foundation in Ecuador and the first zone of Agrobiodiversity in Péru.

Comar Supports Aboriginal women through Matriarca, a brand transforming traditional crafts into sustainable products. Uase promotes a bioeconomy led by natives around native Aça Hakhu Defends the Ecuadorian Amazon and indigenous rights by advocacy, decolonial education and the basic media.

In India, Bibifathima Swa Sahaya Supports farmers in the village through multiple crops, seed banks and a solar energy transformation – combining traditional knowledge with regenerative agriculture and renewable energies.

In Indonesia, MITRA BUMMA Supports community companies protecting 100,000 hectares of tropical forest while stimulating local economies and governance. THE Ranu Wellum Foundation Skilled the indigenous communities of Dayak by the conservation of forests and cultural preservation.

In Papua New Guinea, Sea Women of Melanesia Inc. Authorizes women to direct marine conservation by combining traditional knowledge with modern science.

And in Africa, Nature and people like a In Kenyaempers, pastoral communities to restore dry land using traditional knowledge and affordable restoration methods, and Sustainable ocean alliance Tanzania Restore marine ecosystems thanks to sustainable algae agriculture and authorizes coastal communities.

“On this important day, The winners of the 2025 Equator price are a reminder of the importance of honoring and recognizing the vision and leadership of the Aboriginal peoples and local communities“Said Marcos Neto, deputy secretary general of the UN and director of the UNDP office for the support of policies and the program.

Inspired by the hibakushaThe survivors of atomic bombing at the end of the Second World War who transformed their suffering into a powerful appeal for peace, António Guterres renewed his call to a world without nuclear weapons in a video message at the 11th General Conference of Mayors for Peace in Nagasaki.

United against nuclear weapons, the conference is an opportunity for mayors around the world to discuss and adopt key priorities in support of global denuclearization.

‘No place in our world’

“Nuclear weapons have no place in our world,” said Guterres in his video message, as They only offer “the illusion of security and the certainty of devastation“He said.

Calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, the secretary general urged all the participants in the conference to “continue to mobilize communities, to inspire young people and to build peace of zero”.

“I urge all states to mobilize nuclear disarmament,” he said.

A better world

“” I congratulate mayors for peace for your unwavering commitment to a better world“Said the secretary general, because the organization aims to create real momentum for the realization of a peaceful world without nuclear weapons.

In honor of the Hibakusha, and in memory of the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Mr. Guterres made a passionate appeal to action to end the nuclear threat once and for all.

Learn more about the work of hibakusha here in the previous one UN News The cover, and listen to this extraordinary story of survival in our lid is on the podcast:

“The real challenge is still ahead of us,” Stephanie Loose, head of the program in Afghanistan, for journalists in Geneva on Friday.

“” We are talking about the reintegration of people who have lost their house, who have lost their assets and also their hope. »»

Millions in movement

Afghanistan is currently faced with an unprecedented return crisis.

Since September 2023, some three million Afghans living in Pakistan and Iran have been expelled or voluntarily repatriated, with more than two million arrives so far this year. For some, it is not a return but a new start.

“Many in Afghanistan do not have a place to go because they have never lived in Afghanistan,” said Ms. Lool.

“Sixty percent of those who come back now are less than 18 years old, so they have no social ties, they do not have networks and there is a real risk for them to take negative adaptation mechanisms.”

Concern for women and girls

Rapatrians come to a country under the domination of the Taliban and where about half of the population – 22.9 million people – requires humanitarian assistance in the midst of economic crises, human and climate rights.

Ms. Loose noted that Taliban edicts preventing women and girls from frequenting a secondary school, getting a job or going out without a male chaperon, presenting a serious challenge to returns.

“They are postponed in a country where there is no education for girls beyond 12 years, where they do not really know where to go, and where there is in fact specifically for women and girls without possibilities for social development and not economic,” she said.

“We also have households to the head of women who return to the country. So you can just imagine what it means for them. They cannot really leave their homes without being accompanied by a mahramA male goalkeeper, even if they want to go see a doctor.“”

Integration challenges

She added that integration is likely to be still complicated by the high level of needs in Afghanistan, given the fragile political, economic and social situation, linked to more than four decades of conflict.

Afghanistan is also among the first 10 countries affected by climate change, and droughts, floods and heat waves have wreaked havoc on rural livelihoods. They also threaten people living in informal colonies in urban areas which represent up to 80% of the population in these places.

Given the scale of Afghanistan needs, Ms. Loose stressed that the reconstruction of lives goes beyond emergency aid.

“” People need access to basic servicesin water, sanitation. And overall, they need subsistence opportunities … to lead their lives in dignity and support their families, “she said.

International call

The reintegration of a large number of displaced people will require enormous efforts from the international community and the Afghan authorities, she said.

“” It is a humanitarian crisis for individuals, but requires systemic and locally founded approachesAnd a solid investment in basic services, infrastructure, housing solutions and subsistence opportunities, “she said.

Ms. Lool urged the international community not to forget Afghanistan and its inhabitants, in particular women and girls, and to ensure adequate funding available so that they can live in dignity.

The announcement following a meeting of the Israeli cabinet “marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including the remaining hostages” he said.

The declaration noted that the Palestinians in Gaza continue to have a humanitarian disaster of horrible proportions.

More displacement, death and destruction

The UN chief warned that this new escalation would lead to an additional forced displacement, murders and massive destruction, aggravating the unimaginable suffering of the population.

He reiterated his urgent Call for a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

“The Secretary General urges the government of Israel once again to comply with its obligations under international law,” the statement continued.

Put an end to the occupation

Mr. Guterres recalled that in an advisory notice last July, the International Court of Justice (Icj) said that Israel was obliged to immediately stop all new settlement activities, to evacuate all the colonists from the occupied Palestinian territory and to put an end to its illegal presence as quickly as possible.

“There will be no lasting solution to this endless conflict for this illegal profession and the realization of a viable solution to two states,” concluded the declaration, stressing that “Gaza is and must remain an integral part of a Palestinian State”.

More to follow on this story …

Held under the theme Make progress thanks to partnershipsThe four -day forum known as the name LLDC3Has gathered the heads of state, senior United Nations, development partners and private sector leaders to meet the persistent challenges facing LLDC, including high commercial costs, inadequate infrastructure and vulnerability to climate change.

Anchored by the Awaza program of action for 2024-2034, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly last year, the new one ”Awaza declaration“Describe a unified strategy in five priority areas:

1. Structural economic transformation;
2. Trade and regional integration;
3. Transport and infrastructure;
4. Adaptation of climate change and reduction in disaster risks; And
5. Mobilize finance and partnerships.

“” Awaza’s declaration marks a turning point. It’s a plan for action, not just the words »» said Under-Secretary General Rabab Fatima.

“With targeted investments in infrastructure, facilitation of exchanges and climate resilience, we can unlock the potential of LLDCs and ensure that no one is left behind.”

Ms. Fatima, which also serves as a high -level representative of the United Nations for the least developed countries, developing countries without coast and the development states of small islands (No ohrlls), said that the conference would remain in memories as a decisive moment in the LLDC trip, inaugurating a new era of daring partnerships and decisive action.

“It is this spirit … of solidarity, partnership and shared goal that will make us move forward. A future where we are not divided by geography, but linked by ideas, trade and innovation, “she said.

“” Let us make the promise of “terrestrial connection” not only a sentence but a new way of life … The UN is ready to support this decade of delivery“, She added.

A call for investment and inclusion

The declaration requires an increase in investments in multilateral development banks, stronger cooperation South-South and a broader inclusion of LLDC interests in world trade and climate programs.

He also underlines the importance of monitoring the implementation and ensuring that the LLDC themselves lead the process, coordinated by UN-OHRLLS.

Turkmenistan initiatives

As host countries, Turkmenistan has presented several initiatives aligned on the objectives of the conference, including the Global Atlas for the connectivity of sustainable transport, the global Hydrogen Energy Transition Program and the Caspian environmental initiative.

“Awaza’s declaration reflects our common vision of partnership and progress,” said Gurbanguly Mälikgulyýewiç Berdimuhamedow, national chief of the Turkm people and president of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan.

“Together – Transit countries, development partners and the private sector – we can overcome geographic constraints and build sustainable prosperity for our peoples.”

What is the next step?

The Awaza Declaration represents a major step for the LLDC and a renewed symbol of global solidarity – transform a geographic drawback into a shared advantage.

The implementation will be followed by the United Nations General Assembly through annual ministerial meetings of the LLDC.

The main platforms to come to advance LLDC priorities include:

• The United Nations Climate Conference in 2025 in Brazil (COP30);
• The next meeting of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); And
• The World Mountain Summit 2027 in Kyrgyzstan.

A mid-term examination of the Awaza action program is scheduled for 2030.

Cooperation begins with the neighbors

During an enveloping press briefing, Aksoltan Ataeva, permanent representative of Turkmenistan at the United Nations, said that for his country, “Accommodation LLDC3 is not only an important political event, but it also reflects the philosophy of the Turkmenistan foreign policy: being a bridge, not a barrier.“”

The UN resident coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko said UN News The conference was particularly important for the region, bringing together several heads of state in Central Asia.

World partnerships are important – but real cooperation begins with neighbors.

Mr. Shlapachenko shared an example cited by the UN Secretary General during meetings with leaders of Central Asia:

“Before Portugal and Spain joined the European Union, trade between them was minimal. But once they have been part of the EU, 40% of all the goods exported by Portugal went to Spain. It really improved life to [the people of both countries]. I think it is very important to keep this in mind when we talk about Central Asia. »»

“” There is still a lot to do here, but we move in the right direction,He added.

The United Nations resident coordinator in Uzbekistan, Sabine Machl, noted that the UN countries in Central Asia are regularly meeting to coordinate their work. Uzbekistan, one of only two double coastal countries in the world (alongside Liechtenstein), faces unique challenges – but also opportunities.

“As a team of the United Nations countries in Uzbekistan, for the next five years, what we want to do is exploit the demographic dividend by investing in the inhabitants of Uzbekistan,” she said.

“This is our only strategic priority. Because Uzbekistan has a very young population – 60% of the population under 30. ”

In Lesotho, an African country without coastline, water is a major opportunity. UN resident coordinator Amanda Khozi Mukawashi said UN News May the country want to share its abundant water and other resources – but requires investments.

“Lesotho has water. It is one of its greatest natural assets; Lots of water flowing from Lesotho and saves lives in neighboring countries like Namibia, Botswana, etc., ”she said.

“What they are trying to do is looking for investments, developing infrastructure so that they can produce renewable energies, hydroelectricity.”

She added that Lesotho could use its wind and solar resources not only for its own industrial development, but for export to a region faced with challenges both in water and energy.

These ideas and others have been discussed on the touch of the conference and will continue to be put forward in future forums.

Goodbye to Awaza

Friday, Awaza – Nestated on the banks of the Caspian Sea, the largest interior body of water in the world – farewell to his guests with a ceremonial drop in UN and Turkmenistan flags, which had been raised at the start of the week.

“” Awaza will be remembered as a decisive moment for the travel of the LLDC-not only for the great success of the conference itself, but as the beginning of a new era of ambitious partnerships and decisive action,“Said Ms. Fatima, finishing the forum.

The third United Nations conference on the least developed countries opened its doors in Awaza, Turkmenistan on Tuesday, August 5.

UN News was on the ground in Awaza, bringing you all the strengths and the discussions. Find all our cover here.

“People told me several times that when they fled Zamzam [displacement camp]armed people would threaten them while they were in flight, saying of course, “Fouez, go there, run here, run there, we will follow you, we will find you”“Said Jocelyn Elizabeth Knight, a protection agent from the United Nations Agency for Refugees, Hcr.

Briefing journalists in Geneva, Ms. Knight, described addressing a traumatized child in a HCR refuge, whose experience reflects that of countless other young people across the country.

“A little boy said to me:You know, during the day, things are going well here, but I’m afraid of going to sleep at night in case the place where we live is attacked again. ”“”

Forced to put to misery

In Darfur in western Sudan, many people uprooted by violence meet in disused public buildings with few essentials to water and sanitation.

Meanwhile, new trips and attacks on civilians continue in Darfur and in the neighboring region of Kordofan, warned the UNHCR, in the communities “which are already devastated and have been subjected to unspeakable atrocities”.

The fighting in progress has also seriously limited humanitarian access and disrupted aid delivery for more than two years. With the current seasonal rains, many roads will be impassable for months, further complicating the delivery of the aid, noted the United Nations agency.

Persistent insecurity has also hampered agriculture, deepening deprivation in areas at risk of famine or already undergoes famine conditions.

The latest UNHCR data indicate that More than 873,000 Sudanese refugees fled the Darfur and crossed Chadwhich now houses the greatest number of Sudanese refugees recorded since the start of the conflict. One in three people in eastern Chad is now a refugee.

Mortal disease

In addition to the heavy fights between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and their former adversaries that have become allies – the paramilitaries Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – which started in April 2023Civilians are now faced with an epidemic of cholera with rapid and fatal distribution.

“” Cholera has swept away Sudan with all states signaling epidemics,“Said Dr. Ilham Nour, emergency responsible for the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO).

She noted that since last July, nearly 100,000 cases have been reported.

Lives on the line

Very contagious disease spreads quickly under unsanitary conditions. At the beginning of August, 264 cases and 12 deaths were identified during the colony of refugees from Dougui in eastern Chad welcoming the Sudanese arrivals of Darfur.

The surrounding villages have also pointed out suspicious cases, while others emerged in the colony of Tregu, one of the many HCR camps in eastern Chad which host Sudanese refugees.

Help containing the disease is urgent, insisted that Dossou Patrice Ahouansou du HCR, principal coordinator in eastern Chad.

“We have more than 230,000 refugees on the border in a very difficult situation,” he said. “” Without urgent action, in particular the improvement of access to medical treatment, clean water, sanitation, hygiene and especially the resettlement of the border, many other lives are at stake.“”

As part of the response and to prevent new cases, the United Nations agency has suspended the relocation of refugees from border points.

HCR is Finding $ 130 million in flexible funding Provide vital aid to around 800,000 people in Darfur. In addition, the United Nations agency will respond to the cholera epidemic and will move 239,000 Sudanese refugees from the border of Chad-Sudan.

Unploded weapon alert

In the meantime, the UN Mine Action Service(UNMAS) confirmed the fears that the unploded ammunition of current battles kill and mutilate non-combatants who are not aware of the extent of the danger.

“” The sad reality of this current conflict is that this does not happen in rural areas, this occurs mainly in urban areas, in very populated areas“Said Mohammad Sediq Rashid, head of Sudan Unmas.

Last week, six minefields were confirmed in Khartoum and three of them contained anti-personnel terrestrial mines-the first time it was reported-he told journalists in Geneva.

“” Contamination is on the roads, in houses, in schools and landing breads, medical facilities, humanitarian bases,The UNMAS manager continued.

“” It’s a population [that] is widely ignored by the dangers that await them … This problem only grows every day.“”