By 2060, the population of developing landlocked countries (LLDCs) is expected to exceed one billion people. These nations possess significant economic potential that can be unlocked through investment, partnerships, and digital solutions. This was stated by UN High Representative Rabab Fatima during the opening of the Private Sector Forum at the LLDC3 Conference on Tuesday in Avaza, according to a correspondent from Business Turkmenistan.

According to Fatima, despite lacking direct access to the sea, these countries are not isolated—they are engaged in global trade, exchanging ideas, and developing digital infrastructure. She emphasized that the private sector plays a crucial role in realizing their potential. Fatima noted that LLDCs account for only 0.2% of global investment, while addressing their infrastructure gaps requires at least $500 billion. Private investment, including blended finance mechanisms and public guarantees, should become the primary source of these funds.

Fatima also announced the launch of the Global Business Network for LLDCs—a new platform aimed at coordinating private sector efforts. The Forum will conclude with the presentation of a document titled Private Sector Priorities, which will be unveiled during the final plenary session.

A total of 32 developing landlocked countries—home to over 500 million people—face shared challenges stemming from their geographical isolation, which hinders their economic integration with the rest of the world.