Statement by Mr. OTA Yuya, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the meeting dedicated to the formal adoption of the new Programme of Action (PoA) for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) for the Decade 2024–2034

Mr. President,
 
Japan welcomes the adoption of the new Program of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2024–2034 by consensus. We would like to express our deep appreciation to Bolivia as the new chair of the group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Botwana, as the former chair, for your able leadership. We would also like to thank Austria and Mongolia as the co-chairs of the Preparatory Committee, as well as USG Ms. Rabab Fatima and OHRLLS for their tireless efforts in preparing for the LLDC3 Conference and their contributions to this new Program of Action.
 
LLDCs face multiple development challenges, such as high transportation and trade costs, inadequate infrastructure connectivity, the adverse impacts of climate change, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that this new Program of Action comprehensively addresses all the development challenges LLDCs face, and that it is imperative for the international community to take swift action on the commitments it contains.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan has been contributing to the steady implementation of Vienna Program of Action through development cooperation that meets the needs of LLDCs based on the principle of human security, which aims to protect the lives, livelihoods and dignity of each and every human being. Japan will continue to support LLDCs through the new Program of Action. We look forward to participating the upcoming LLDC3 Conference.
 
I thank you.