Statement by Foreign Minister Mr Khanal at the Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries

Statement by Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal Mr. Shisir Khanal, during the Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries on the Margins of 81^st Session of the 

UN General Assembly

Mr./Ms. Chair, 

Despite their immense potential, Landlocked Developing Countries continue to face severe structural hurdles to sustained prosperity. 

The Awaza Programme of Action has illuminated new pathways of hope, yet the true test lies in transforming commitments into tangible reality on the ground.

Rising global crises—from supply-chain disruptions to tightening fiscal space—compound our longstanding structural bottlenecks: prohibitive transit and freight costs, infrastructure deficits, and remote market access. 

For Nepal—a mountainous, landlocked country on the cusp of graduation—these vulnerabilities are compounded by accelerating climate risks.

Just weeks ago, our trans-Himalayan trade arteries were battered by what can only be described as a Himalayan Tsunami. High in the mountains, a sudden glacial collapse unleashed an immense, sediment-heavy wall of water hurtling down steep river gorges. In minutes, roaring floodwaters washed away international border bridges, severed highways, and destroyed vital infrastructure. For an LLDC, a climate disaster does not take days to derail trade—it wipes out critical connectivity in minutes.

Yet Nepal refuses to let geography determine destiny.

We are turning landlocked constraints into a vibrant, land-linked crossroads. Guided by our doctrine of “Thick Connectivity and Thin Borders,” we are expanding multi-modal transit corridors, modernizing Integrated Check Posts, and scaling cross-border transmission grids. By expanding clean hydropower, Nepal is ready to serve as a green battery for regional growth while diversifying into high-value digital and service exports.

To operationalize the Awaza Programme of Action, we urge action on four priorities:

• Guarantee Freedom of Transit: Modernize multimodal infrastructure, digitize customs procedures, and faithfully implement international transit compacts to lower freight costs.
• Close the Financing Gap: Provide predictable, concessional financing and grant-based climate resilience funds so that disaster recovery does not consume capital for productive development.
• Accelerate Digital Transformation: Invest in cross-border digital public infrastructure, AI capabilities, and skills to enable youth and women to participate in the global digital marketplace.
• Deepen Inclusive Partnerships: Strengthen cooperation among LLDCs, transit countries, multilateral institutions, and the private sector.

Let us march forward with shared resolve, proving that geography will never constrain our aspirations.

Thank you. Namaste.