Former UN Secretary-General and President of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Ban Ki-moon, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for hosting the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3). Speaking at the conference, Ban Ki-moon thanked President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov - for organizing the high-level international forum and for their contribution to sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Ban emphasized that the conference in Avaza served as a crucial platform for consolidating global efforts to support landlocked countries, which face challenges such as limited access to markets, infrastructure barriers, and climate-related issues, according to the Turkmen Embassy in South Korea.

Ban Ki-moon also highlighted that the timing of LLDC3 coincided with several significant milestones: the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, and the UN-declared International Year of Peace and Trust. “These dates, underscore Turkmenistan’s role in strengthening resilience and international partnerships,” he said.

On behalf of GGGI, Ban reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting landlocked countries in their transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive economies. He also called for expanding green investments and cross-border cooperation.

Ban concluded his speech by urging enhanced global solidarity and wishing the conference participants a productive dialogue and practical outcomes.