Turkmenistan Elected Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries

On 3 September 2026, a regular meeting of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) at the level of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations was held at UN Headquarters in New York.

During the meeting, the new Bureau of the Group for 2027–2028 was elected. With the unanimous support of all members of the Group, Turkmenistan was elected Chair for this period, with its term commencing on 1 January 2027. Azerbaijan (Vice-Chair), Laos, Burundi, Chad, Rwanda and Paraguay were also elected to the Bureau from the respective regional groups.

The election of Turkmenistan as Chair of the LLDC Group represents a significant foreign policy achievement and demonstrates the high level of confidence of the international community and, in particular, of landlocked developing countries.

The Chairmanship will enable Turkmenistan, over the next two years, to coordinate the activities of the Group, including in such priority areas for the country as energy and transport connectivity, while representing the collective interests of 32 landlocked developing countries and playing a leading role in the practical implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action for 2024–2034.

The composition of the Bureau of the Group will also be endorsed by the Outcome Declaration of the forthcoming LLDC Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for 24 September 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

In November–December 2026, as part of systematic preparations for assuming the functions of Chair, a draft Roadmap for Turkmenistan’s Chairmanship of the Group for 2027–2028 will be prepared jointly with the United Nations Office of the High Representative (OHRLLS), outlining the main priorities, initiatives and practical activities for the forthcoming period.