Turkmenistan to chair group of landlocked developing countries Azerbaijan named vice-chair

Turkmenistan has been elected chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) for 2027–2028, with Azerbaijan selected as vice-chair.

The decision was made at a meeting of the group’s permanent representatives to the United Nations in New York, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Laos, Burundi, Chad, Rwanda and Paraguay were also elected to the group’s steering bureau, representing different regional groups.

Turkmenistan’s chairmanship will begin on January 1, 2027, and will run for two years. During its term, the country will coordinate the group’s activities and represent the interests of 32 landlocked developing countries.

The chairmanship will focus in particular on Turkmenistan’s priority areas, including energy and transport connectivity.

The composition of the steering bureau is expected to be formally approved through the final declaration of the LLDCs ministerial meeting, scheduled to take place at UN headquarters in New York on September 24, 2026.

In November and December 2026, Turkmenistan and the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) are expected to prepare a draft roadmap outlining the priorities and activities of Turkmenistan’s 2027–2028 chairmanship.

By Sabina Mammadli