Empowering Landlocked Developing Countries: New Research and Innovation Network Launched for Sustainable Development

In May 2024, the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (UNRCO) Mongolia and the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (ITTLLDC) signed a Declaration of Intent to collaborate strategically in supporting Mongolia’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a pilot LLDC model, with potential for replication in other LLDCs. As part of this partnership, the UNRCO Mongolia and ITTLLDC co-organized the International Forum on Facilitating LLDCs’ Sustainable and Digital Transformation on 14-15 August 2024, in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications (MDDIC) of the Government of Mongolia.

The forum featured key events, including the Global Digital Dialogue (GDD) 2024 and a consultation meeting focused on establishing a Research and Innovation Network for LLDCs under the ITTLLDC. Experts and researchers from Mongolia and beyond participated in the consultation meeting, finalizing the terms of reference for the new network. This global network will support the ITTLLDC’s core activities in research, capacity building, and policy advocacy, while fostering strategic partnerships with other networks to promote sustainable development in LLDCs. Key areas of focus will include trade, transport, economic diversification, and digital transformation/innovation.

UN Resident Coordinator for Mongolia, Mr. Tapan Mishra, highlighted that “LLDCs suffer from higher trade and transport costs and limited access to the world market due to their geographical disadvantage. At the same time, LLDCs need a support for human capacity development, as they score far below the world average in human development index,” He further added that “Being duly aware of LLDCs’ special needs, the United Nations has consistently supported LLDCs, like Mongolia, with tailored programs, including the 10-Year Program of Action for LLDCs, which is set to be renewed this year. I am confident that the newly established network will enhance the capacity of LLDCs to achieve the SDGs and contribute to the implementation of the upcoming 10-Year Program of Action for LLDCs.”  

Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od, Executive Director of ITTLLDC, also emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This network is a much-needed asset for us to effectively support LLDCs in improving human development and addressing the economic and social impacts of their geographical challenges. We will soon issue a call for participation to attract experts and researchers from around the world to contribute to the network.”

ITTLLDC: In accordance with the Multilateral Agreement for the Establishment of an International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries, the International Think Tank for LLDCs (ITTLLDC) was established in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in 2009 with Mongolia being a host country. The objective of the ITTLLDC is to use top-quality research and advocacy to improve the ability of landlocked developing countries to build capacity with the ultimate aim of raising human development and reducing poverty.

UNRCO Mongolia: The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2018 to reposition the United Nations Development System with a stronger, better-defined collective identity as a trusted, reliable, cohesive, accountable, and effective partner to the country within the 2030 Agenda. The UN system in Mongolia is led by UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking development official to represent the UN system in the country and lead the UN Country Team. The Resident Coordinator is supported by the Resident Coordinator’s Office, which coordinates activities related to common programming including Agenda 2030, joint programmes, joint programming activities, and development coordination work.

For more information: 

1. D. Soyolmaa, UNRCO Communications and Advocacy Officer, United Nations Resident Coordinator Office Mongolia (Email: Soyolmaa.dolgor@un.org)

2. Dulguun Damdin-Od, International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (Email: thinktank@land-locked.org)