Working together to achieve sustainable progress
On August 4, 2025, the Civil Society Forum, held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), began its work in the Avaza National Tourist Zone.
The large-scale event was attended by the UN Deputy Secretary-General, the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island States, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan for Science, Education, Health, Sports, Youth and the Public, the Chairman of the National Center of Trade Unions, high-ranking officials of international organizations, civil society, and LLDCs.
As noted during the Forum, civil society has an important role to play in promoting the Avaza Action Programme, which is aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of LLDCs.
The presentations also highlighted the key role of civil society in implementing inclusive initiatives necessary for the sustainable development of LLDCs.
The significant role of civil society in establishing interaction between government bodies, the private sector and the international community was noted. In this context, it was noted that recognition and support of the role of civil society within the framework of the Avaza Action Programme will contribute to the successful implementation of the tasks outlined therein, strengthening trust between its participants and forming a solid foundation for joint development.
During the Forum, priority tasks and proposals for the Declaration of Civil Society Organizations were also discussed.
This was followed by a thematic session on socially oriented structural transformations and environmental sustainability. The subjects of keen discussion were ways to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through economic diversification and responsible attitude to the environment with the active participation of civil society. An exchange of views also took place on promising areas of economic policy focused on the interests of people and consistent with such a relevant factor as environmental well-being.
As noted, support and development of civil society should become a priority of national strategies and international programs aimed at the long-term sustainable development of LLDCs.
Forum participants also emphasized the significant role of civil society in strengthening state and public institutions, which contributes to combining economic diversification with environmental sustainability in LLDCs.
At the same time, the importance of inclusive dialogue between government bodies, the private sector and civil society in developing comprehensive strategies that take into account the interests of all segments of the population and promote sustainable and inclusive development was noted.
The Forum also emphasized that support for civil society from governments and international organizations is a key condition for the successful implementation of the Avaza Action Plan.
The session, dedicated to the topic of socially oriented structural transformation and environmental sustainability, became an effective platform for mutually beneficial exchange of experience and development of specific recommendations for LLDCs. Its participants expressed confidence that the proposed approaches and ideas will contribute to the implementation of the Avaza Action Programme and the construction of a more prosperous future for landlocked developing countries.
