The world’s 32 landlocked developing countries are trying to turn their geographic disadvantage into opportunity at a United Nations (UN) conference in Turkmenistan, seeking better infrastructure and trade systems, according to UN official statement. These nations make up over 7% of global population but account for just 1.2% of world trade due to costly transport barriers. Cut off from seaports, they face longer routes that drive up costs while climate change damages infrastructure.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for “smart logistics, streamlined systems, and stronger partnerships” to cut red tape and modernize transport networks. The conference promotes going “from landlocked to landlinked” to transform barriers into opportunities.
Experts say mindset matters as much as geography. Only 11 of 32 landlocked countries have joined the UN-backed TIR customs system, even though Uzbekistan – double landlocked – is the biggest user. This proves that “if you put the right policies in place, you can be landlinked,” said one transport official.
New digital tools offer hope, from electronic customs systems to satellite platforms that map climate risks along trade routes. Climate change makes transport harder with flooding and landslides now regular threats.
