Thirty-two landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) are meeting in Awaza, Turkmenistan, from August 5 to 8 for the third United Nations Conference on LLDCs, where they will discuss challenges and explore solutions for sustainable development.

Malawi, one of the LLDCs, is being represented by Vice President Michael Usi, who is attending the conference on behalf of President Lazarus Chakwera.

According to the Malawi News Agency, Vice President Usi is expected to deliver opening remarks at a key side event titled “Unlocking Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Finance in LLDCs through Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs).”

Launched in 2022, the INFF facility helps countries design and implement financing strategies that align with the SDGs, fostering collaboration, innovation, and policy reform. So far, over 65 countries are implementing INFFs, spanning both public and private financing to boost sustainable investments.

LLDCs face unique development challenges due to their lack of direct access to the sea. Without coastal ports, they rely on transit countries for trade, which increases transportation costs, delays, and limits connectivity.

The conference offers LLDCs a critical platform to share experiences, forge partnerships, and advocate for improved international support to address these structural barriers to development.