UN Secretary-General Calls for Fairness in Global Development for Landlocked Countries

UN Secretary-General Calls for Fairness in Global Development for Landlocked Countries
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UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the international community to “break down barriers and restore fairness in global development” for landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), Jurist News reported. In a statement, Guterres noted that for the 32 LLDCs across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America, geographical isolation often limits development opportunities and “entrenches inequality.”

Guterres warned that without bold reform, geography would continue to dictate who has opportunities, and emphasized that “geography should never define destiny.” He attributed these persistent inequalities to a combination of factors, including an “unfair global economic and financial architecture,” systemic neglect, structural barriers, and the enduring legacy of a colonial past.

The Secretary-General urged for reforms to the global financial system, including the implementation of more equitable lending practices and debt relief. He stressed that the success of LLDCs is fundamental to the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.