Rwanda has invited Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to participate in the upcoming landlocked developing countries conference to take place in Kigali.
The 3rd United Nations Conference on the Landlocked Developing Countries will take place from June 18-21, 2024.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation from the Republic of Rwanda, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, invited Mudavadi for the meeting when he paid him a courtesy call at his Kenya Railways Headquarters on Wednesday.
“They discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation between Kenya and Rwanda in various sectors including trade, investments, regional integration, and peace and security in the Great Lakes Region,” a dispatch from Mudavadi’s office said.
A selected number of guests will be fully funded to participate in the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Landlocked Developing Countries.
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), lacking direct sea access, face hurdles in trade, connectivity, and development.
Without coastal ports, they rely on transit nations, causing higher trade costs and delays. Despite challenges, LLDCs host vibrant communities with untapped potential.
The Third UN Conference on LLDCs offers a chance to explore solutions and forge partnerships, addressing challenges and unlocking their full potential for a more equitable and prosperous future.
The first UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was convened in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on August 28-29 2003.
The conference focused on “Addressing the Special Needs of Landlocked Developing Countries within a New Global Framework for Transit Transport Cooperation for Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries.”
The second UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries was convened in Vienna, Austria.
The conference was aiming to undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the implementation of the Almaty Programme of Action
A preparatory committee for the Kigali conference convened its first meeting in early February.
The overarching theme of the conference, “Driving Progress through Partnerships," is expected to highlight the importance of support from the global community in enabling LLDCs to meet their potential and achieve Social Development Goals (SDGs).
The conference has invited the participation of multiple stakeholders, including heads of state and government, the private sector, and civil society.
Several senior leaders in the UN system, including Secretary-General António Guterres, are expected to attend the meeting.