During the Youth Forum at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), the Youth Declaration “Building Bridges for the Future of Landlocked Developing Countries”, developed by the International Committee of Youth Organizations and the UN Major Group on Children and Youth, was presented for discussion.

The document, prepared after extensive consultations with young people from 32 landlocked countries, with the support of the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island States and the Youth Advisory Group on Landlocked Developing Countries, was endorsed by the Forum participants, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reports.

This Declaration, aimed at ensuring the participation of youth in decision-making, empowering young people to achieve the goals and objectives of the new Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), reflects the vision of the young generation for a better future and is intended to serve as a guide in shaping strategies for the further development of their countries.

The delegates agreed that only through joint efforts and cooperation can favorable conditions for the development of youth be created. In this regard, confidence was expressed that the ideas and proposals expressed by the participants will be taken into account by the international community and are intended to contribute to the construction of a brighter future for all.

Addressing the participants, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island States, Secretary-General of LLDC3 Rabab Fatima stressed that young people are the driving force behind modern reforms and innovations, and their ideas and desire for peace are key to overcoming the challenges their countries face. She also called on young people to use the Forum to share experiences and develop innovative solutions.

Then the President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Young, spoke, noting that the UN attaches great importance to the empowerment of youth, ensuring their access to quality education, technology and decent jobs, as well as their active participation in decision-making at all levels, and expressed confidence that a brighter future will be built through joint efforts.

In continuation of the Forum, the Secretary General of the Third UN Conference on LLDC, Rabab Fatima, solemnly presented the Youth Declaration to the representatives of the Turkmen side.

Let us remind that the LLDC Youth Forum started yesterday in Avaza and continues its work today.