A/69/PV.71 General Assembly

Australia warmly thanks the People’s Republic of China for its leadership as Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2014, and we are pleased to sponsor the draft resolution (A/69/L.39) it is putting forward today. We also congratulate Angola as it takes the Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2015. Australia has long been a strong supporter of the Kimberley Process and has actively contributed to the important work of its Working Groups on Monitoring and of Diamond Experts, of its Committee on Participation and Chairmanship and on other related issues, such as statistics and internet trading. The Kimberley Process has been phenomenally successful in achieving its principal objective. Uncertified diamonds now represent less than 1 per cent of world trade. As a member of the Security Council, Australia has supported the Council’s ongoing engagement with the Kimberley Process on a number of situations on the Council’s agenda. That cooperation is *1469221* 14-69221 (E) a critical element in the Council’s support for Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic. The Kimberley Process has also brought valuable transparency to the diamond trade through its statistics function and has acted as a facilitator for sharing best practices in broader mining and governance practices. Australia is a major diamond producer — currently the world’s sixth largest by both volume and value — with strong expertise in mining and a proud record of sharing that expertise. Through our development partnerships, in particular our Australia-Africa Partnership Facility, we have worked to assist countries in harnessing the wealth from their natural resources. We are also proud supporters, in that respect, of the African Minerals Development Centre. Our partnerships have provided training on a wide range of important topics for the diamond industry, including beneficiation, artisanal production, cadastral systems and mining regulation, to name a few. The Kimberley Process should continue to create opportunities for sharing best practices. Certainly the appetite is there, as can be seen in the commitment by the Mano River countries to the West Africa harmonization project, which is developing and sharing best practices in Kimberley Process compliance in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Australia was pleased to support that project. The appetite was also evident in the great interest and enthusiasm for the study tour Australia hosted for participants from Africa and Asia in September 2014, which contributed to building a new cadre of people from a broader range of diamond-producing countries to undertake Kimberley Process review visits. The participants also expanded their knowledge of mining best practices, which can be both used in their own countries and shared with others. The study tour group is also developing guidance materials that can be used as tools for future visit teams. For that reason, we support Angola’s focus on implementing the Moscow and Washington, D.C., declarations through facilitating knowledge-sharing between peers and opportunities for training. We also applaud the World Diamond Council’s initiative for training for new officials, which is long overdue. Australia will work collaboratively with all parties to bring that initiative to fruition. We also welcome Angola’s focus on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. Australia is a member of that initiative, given the importance of assisting mining companies and Governments in preventing mine-site conflict and the ensuing human and economic costs. Civil society continues to be critical to the operational effectiveness and international legitimacy of the Kimberley Process. The civil-society coalition has done much to support best practices in mining, and we encourage them to continue that positive work. They are also our early-warning system. In an industry that is so reliant on the reputation of our product, we are wise to seriously consider any issues brought to our attention. Australia believes we can build on the strengths of the Kimberley Process, and that underpins our decision to nominate ourselves to be Vice-Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2015 and Chair in 2016. Regardless of our role, we look forward to working together to improve our systems and get the best out of the diamond industry. That in turn will safeguard the reputation of the diamond industry, thus ensuring that diamonds are a source of wealth and progress for the people, communities and countries that mine, trade, polish and enjoy them.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/69/L.39. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/69/L.39, entitled “The role of diamonds in fuelling conflict: breaking the link between the illicit transaction of rough diamonds and armed conflict as a contribution to prevention and settlement of conflicts”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/69/L.39?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 31?

Members will recall that at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September, the General Assembly decided to allocate sub-item (b) of agenda item 22 to the Second Committee. To enable the General Assembly to take action expeditiously on the draft resolution, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider sub-item (b) of agenda item 22 directly in plenary meeting and proceed immediately to its consideration?

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/69/L.28. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/69/L.28, entitled “Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/69/L.28?

I now call on those delegations that wish to make statements after the adoption of the resolution.

On behalf of the 32 landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), I would like to express gratitude to the President of the General Assembly for this occasion and the consideration of the resolution to endorse the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, adopted by our Heads of State and Government and their representatives at the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in Vienna from 3 to 5 November. I wish to thank the Government and the people of Austria for their generosity and hospitality and further congratulate them for successfully hosting the important conference. I thank all the delegations that sat and worked with us for their commitment and dedication in the negotiations, and for their magnanimity and flexibility, which resulted in the successful adoption of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024 and its related Political Declaration (resolution 69/137, annexes I and II). The newly adopted Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs demonstrates a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by LLDCs and draws upon lessons learned, gaps and experiences from the Almaty Programme of Action, including the context of the Millennium Development Goals. This document, which has just been adopted, seeks to promote economic and trade competitiveness for sustained and inclusive growth. The ambitious Programme further contains specific, realistic yet time-bound objectives and targets aimed at addressing the special development needs and challenges that arise from landlockedness, remoteness and geographical constraints faced by LLDCs in a more coherent, comprehensive and integrated manner. The Vienna Programme of Action is premised on the fact that LLDCs continue to face unacceptably high transit costs, with delayed transit times, as compared to their maritime neighbours. The Vienna Programme of Action gives cognizance to new and emerging challenges, such as climate change, external shocks and increasing economic structural constraints, such as low productivity and lack of competitiveness. The Vienna Programme of Action incorporates concrete actions for the next decade that have been premised on six key priority areas and on genuine partnerships involving LLDCs, transit developing countries and their development partners, including multilateral institutions. The six priority areas are fundamental transit policy issues, infrastructure development and maintenance, international trade and trade facilitation, regional integration and cooperation, structural economic transformation and the means of implementation. We are aware that the LLDC agenda is taking place at a time when the global community is engaged in other parallel but complementary processes. We are expectant and confident that the concerns of our countries will be meaningfully reflected in the post-2015 development agenda, as well as in the Financing for Development discussions. It is worth underscoring that the Vienna Programme of Action is only complementary to these important global dialogues, and as such it is our desire that all these interrelated processes be integrated to harness synergy and to deliver as one. I take this opportunity to stress that, in following up the second United Nations Conference on LLDCs, there is also a need to further elaborate on concrete measures and a road map for the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action in order to guide the LLDCs, transit developing countries and their development partners, as well as other stakeholders, on the path of coordinated and effective implementation of the Conference outcome. In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Zambia, in its capacity as Chair of the LLDCs group, announced the follow-up high- level meeting to the Conference, which will be held in Livingstone, Zambia, in June 2015. I wish to appeal for the collective support of Member States to participate in this meeting. The successful implementation of the new Programme of Action is dependent on the depth and reach of the many important partnerships that we have forged and continue to forge. I would like to thank our partners for their willingness to lend their support in addressing challenges related to landlockedness. I also thank our transit neighbours, which make it possible for our countries to have a deeper and meaningful engagement in international trade. We are grateful for the financial and technical support extended to us by our development partners in the context of South-South, North-South and triangular cooperation. We also count on their continued support and the continued support of the private-sector players, as well as multilateral institutions, in the development of our productive capacities and transport infrastructure, among others. Lastly, I wish to emphasize the critical role that the United Nations system plays, particularly the specialized agencies and regional economic commissions. In this context, I draw attention to the great need for a new and expanded mandate and capacity of the Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States in order to ably support the demanding requirements of the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action. It is our expectation that adequate resources will be given to this Office to adequately support the implementation, monitoring, review and reporting of the activities of the Vienna Programme of Action, as called for in the new mandate. I look forward to the continued support of all Member States and to the full and successful implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action.

It is an honour to see you, Sir, presiding over this important meeting. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The Group would like to express its profound gratitude to the Government and the people of the Republic of Austria for hosting the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, from 3 to 5 November, and for providing all the necessary support for the successful conclusion of the meeting. As the General Assembly adopts the outcome of the second Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (resolution 69/137), the Group of 77 and China would like to reiterate and stress the importance of the implementation of the commitments that have been agreed in the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024 in its six priority areas, namely, fundamental transit policy issues, infrastructure development and maintenance, international trade and trade facilitation, regional integration and cooperation, structural economic transformation and the means of implementation at all levels in a coordinated, coherent and expeditious manner. The Group underlines the importance of the successful implementation, follow-up and review of the Vienna Programme of Action at the national, subregional, regional and global levels. Further, we call upon our development partners to integrate the Vienna Programme of Action into their respective national cooperation policy frameworks, programmes and activities to provide targeted technical and financial support towards the implementation of the specific actions listed in the Programme of Action. Guided by the spirit of solidarity, we as the developing countries are also engaged in providing support for the effective implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action in mutually agreed areas of cooperation within the framework of South-South cooperation, which is a complement to, but not a substitute for, North- South cooperation. The Group will also call upon the organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, relevant international organizations, regional economic integration organizations and other relevant regional and subregional organizations to integrate the Vienna Programme of Action into their programme of work, and to provide greater support to the landlocked developing countries for the implementation of this Programme of Action. The Group reiterates once again its strong support to the LLDCs group and hopes that the Vienna Programme of Action give rise to a strengthened partnership aimed at meeting those countries’ needs and overcoming the challenges facing them. The Group believes that the only way to achieve the ambitious result that will truly address the special challenges faced by LLDCs and will let them overcome their geographical disadvantages, unlock their potential and become active and successful participants in the international economy is through the genuine and strong engagement and cooperation of all of the international community.

The European Union and its member States are pleased to join the consensus on the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024 (resolution 69/137, annex II). We want to thank all representatives for their constructive engagement throughout out the negotiations, as well as the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States for its support. We want to thank specifically Ambassador Khiane Phansourivong of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Ambassador Per Thöresson of Sweden for their leadership in the process. We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Austria for hosting the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries and for providing all the necessary support. With landlocked developing countries in the lead, we are determined to support them in core policy areas aimed at addressing the serious constraints on their sustainable development due to remoteness, lack of territorial access to the sea and limited access to world markets. This means, notably, concentrating our efforts in the areas of trade facilitation, transit, transport infrastructure and regional integration and cooperation. Our current and future cooperation with landlocked developing countries, both bilateral and regional, is geared towards these areas to ensure that our partnership translates into transformational policies and programmes on the ground. We were encouraged by the broad participation of many stakeholders during the Vienna Conference, notably of businesses. The private-sector contribution will be fundamental. The creation of an enabling environment to increase investment and foster inclusive and sustainable growth remains crucial. We look forward to working with the landlocked developing countries, the United Nations system and all partners in the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Government of Nepal in support of resolution 69/137, submitted under agenda item 22 (b), “Groups of countries in special situations: Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on landlocked developing countries”. My delegation is grateful to the President of the General Assembly for submitting this resolution and commends the Assembly for its unanimous adoption today. By adopting this resolution, the Assembly endorsed the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, as adopted at the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Vienna last month. The landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) constitute one of the most vulnerable groups of countries, as has been duly recognized by the international community. Structural weakness, limited productive capacity and low resilience to shocks expose these countries to the severe negative impacts of climate change and other ongoing and emerging crises. In addition to that, the perennial trade and transit issues owing to lack of direct access to the sea, long distance from major international markets, cumbersome transit procedures, inadequate transport infrastructure and the resulting prohibitively high-cost economy continue to be the major challenges for LLDCs. It is imperative therefore to address the specific needs and challenges of LLDCs concerning structural transformation, productive capacity-building and value addition, each of which demand targeted actions in a concerted and coordinated manner on a priority basis with enhanced and predictable means of implementation. In this context, while pledging its utmost efforts at all levels, for the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action from the national perspective, Nepal underscores the importance of fulfilling the commitments from all development partners and strongly calls on all for the speedy and full implementation of the new Programme of Action. In the same vein, my delegation emphasizes that the specific needs and challenges of LLDCs should be accorded due priority both in the elaboration and implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. To that end, we call for the full integration of the Vienna Programme of Action into the new global development framework. Together, the full implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action and other internationally agreed programmes of action would create a greater synergy for development, especially for those countries that are doubly disadvantaged, being both landlocked and least developed. The implementation of all these instruments will directly contribute to eradicating extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development. In this regard, my delegation is grateful to Mr. Kutesa for his personal participation at the second United Nations Conference on LLDCs in Vienna last month in his capacity as President of the General Assembly, and I am confident that the cause of LLDCs will continue to be a top priority under his watch. I wish to conclude by placing on record my delegation’s sincere compliments and gratitude to the Government and the people of Austria for hosting the LLDCs conference; to the Ambassador of Austria for his important role on behalf of the host and also as President of the Economic and Social Council; to the Ambassador of Zambia, as the Chair of the LLDCs group, and her team; and to the Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Ambassador of Sweden as co-Chairs of the Conference’s Preparatory Committee. Our sincere thanks go also to the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States and all other actors for their invaluable efforts to make the Conference fruitful. My delegation is confident that all their commitment will continue as we work for the implementation of the Conference’s outcome ahead.

Paraguay considers the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024 (resolution 69/137, annexes I and II) to be a step forward in the strengthening of the rights of landlocked developing countries, such as freedom of transit, trade facilitation and their effective participation in international trade under favourable conditions. Paraguay would like to thank the Government and the people of Austria for their generosity and hospitality as hosts of the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Indeed, the delegation of Paraguay underscores the praiseworthy work undertaken by the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, which enabled the success of the Vienna Conference in November. The comprehensive and pragmatic focus of the new Programme of Action will facilitate the realization of freedom of transit for landlocked developing countries. For Paraguay, given its geographic location and its nature as a natural hub between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, the new Programme of Action contributes to the realization of international standards that guarantee freedom of transit along the Paraguay- Paraná route. This is crucial not only for the Republic of Paraguay, but also for the continent’s regions that lack access to the sea. Its also provides tools to increase our competitiveness, make headway in combating poverty and improve our people’s standards of living. Paraguay believes that the renewed and bolstered alliance between landlocked developing countries, transit countries and other partners for development that form the basis of the Vienna Programme of Action will soon be complemented by the full implementation and entry into force of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation reached in Bali to be implemented by the members of the World Trade Organization, and in particular by transit countries with regard to measures pertaining to freedom of transit. In that regard, Paraguay emphasizes that the Vienna Programme of Action envisions relations between landlocked developing countries and transit countries to be mutually beneficial. Paraguay believes that the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action will promote the role of trade as an engine for development and will bring together the necessary conditions to mobilize the needed investments in landlocked developing countries. Furthermore, the implementation of the new Programme of Action will be key for the development and maintenance of infrastructure for development. Along those lines, the emphasis on South-South cooperation, which is a complement to, but not a substitute for, North-South cooperation, and the promotion of private-public partnerships in the Programme augur well for overcoming the plethora of structural gaps and budget limitations of the Governments of landlocked developing countries. In conclusion, Paraguay appreciates the particular recognition of the specific needs and difficulties of landlocked developing countries established in the Vienna Programme of Action for the elaboration of the post-2015 development agenda, as well as in the framework of international processes. The Republic of Paraguay and other landlocked developing countries truly hope to benefit from a shared, but differentiated, treatment, including differentiated treatment in unilateral systems, such as the general preferential trade arrangements, and the necessary recognition of our condition in a programme of work of the World Trade Organization.

At the outset, allow me once again to congratulate the people and Government of Austria for hosting a very successful United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. We also commend the leadership and efforts of Zambia, as Chair of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries. Our gratitude also extends to the co-Chairs, Sweden and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which played an instrumental role during the negotiation process. Ethiopia aligns itself with the statements delivered by the representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and the representative of Zambia on behalf of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, respectively. In spite of the progress achieved in addressing the challenges of landlockedness, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) still experience gaps in the implementation of Almaty Programme of Action. That is why the Vienna Programme of Action (resolution 69/137, annex II) aims to resolve this by drawing on lessons from the past 10 years. In this regard, the Programme of Action reaffirms the special needs of LLDCs and underscores the importance of considering in a holistic manner the unique challenges that LLDCs face due to their geographical disadvantage. It also underlines the importance of improving trade, promoting greater integration of LLDCs into international markets and addressing supply constraints through structural economic transformation and diversification of their economies. In this context, it is important to undertake measures that could promote structural economic transformation capable of reducing the negative impact of our geographical disadvantages and external shocks, creating jobs and ultimately leading to poverty eradication and inclusive and sustainable growth and development. Increased value addition and economic diversification are key to such structural economic transformation. The Vienna Programme of Action is a concise, focused and action-oriented document that provides a road map and implementable specific objectives and is therefore a first step. The question now is how we can effectively implement the Programme of Action and deliver on the commitments made to LLDCs. Partnership based on mutual trust and accountability is indeed vital to support the implementation of our concrete priorities and specific objectives. Effective implementation requires sufficient and predictable means, including financing, institutional capacity- building, technology transfer and technical cooperation. In this context, we stress the importance of including LLDCs’ priorities in the discussions and future outcome of the third International Conference on Financing for Development, which will be one of the important inputs regarding the means of implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. We also need a robust global monitoring system that strengthens accountability at all levels in following up on the implementation of the Programme of Action. In this regard, we believe the review of the United Nations system support to LLDCs agreed in Vienna will most certainly contribute to improving accountability and the delivery of commitments. We look forward to the work of the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, on developing relevant indicators and measuring the progress on implementing the Programme of Action in landlocked developing countries. In conclusion, we would like to once again underline the necessity of integrating the needs and priorities of countries in special situations, such as LLDCs, into the post-2015 development agenda and other relevant United Nations system processes.

Bhutan aligns itself with the statements made by the representatives of Bolivia on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and of Zambia on behalf of the landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). Bhutan is pleased to join others in welcoming the adoption of resolution 69/137, which formally endorses the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, by the Assembly. Let me also join others in thanking the Government and the people of Austria for hosting a successful United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Vienna. The Vienna Programme of Action is the result of constructive engagement and positive contributions by all Member States. We thank all delegations for their solidarity with and support for the Group of LLDCs. I wish to also thank Ambassador Per Thöresson of Sweden and Ambassador Khiane Phansourivong of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for facilitating the negotiations on the Vienna Programme of Action with great tact and diligence. The Vienna Programme of Action provides not only a renewed vision, but also a road map to address the special development needs and problems of LLDCs in the coming decade. We welcome the fact that it is a more holistic and comprehensive Programme of Action as it seeks to build on the Almaty Programme of Action and includes additional priority areas that would enable LLDCs to pursue robust economic growth. In this regard, issues of structural economic transformation and infrastructure development are imperative to enabling LLDCs to diversify their economy and enhance their productive capacity. We remain confident that the successful implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action will help further our national development goals and objectives. It is propitious that the adoption of the Vienna Programme of Action should come before the start of intergovernmental negotiations on the post- 2015 development agenda. In our view, the Vienna Programme of Action provides a good basis for the international community to take on board priorities that are important for LLDCs in the post-2015 development agenda. Going forward, the focus must now shift to the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action. Towards this end, the utilization of the full range of partnerships available — partnerships with our transit neighbours, development partners, the United Nations system and the private sector — will be indispensable. Much of the success in our national development efforts in the next decade will depend on how far we have been able to successfully implement the Vienna Programme of Action. We therefore look forward to working closely with all our development partners and count on their support to implement the Vienna Programme of Action to further advance economic progress and prosperity in landlocked developing countries in the next decade.

At the outset, my delegation wishes to associate itself with the statements made earlier by the representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and by the representative of China on behalf of the group of Landlocked Developing Countries, respectively. My delegation would like to join other delegations in expressing our sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the Government and the people of Austria for their generosity and successful hosting of the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries from 3 to 5 November 2014 in Vienna. The adoption of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024 (resolution 69/137, annex II) was the result of many months of hard work by all relevant stakeholders. This has demonstrated the goodwill and spirit of genuine partnership and commitment of the international community to support the development of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). As co-Chair of the Preparatory Committee of the Conference with Ambassador Per Thöresson, Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden, I wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to Member States and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States for their excellent contributions made in the process of negotiations. The task before us now is the need for effective implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action. I therefore call upon the international community to support the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action so that the special needs and challenges arising from the landlockedness and development needs being faced by LLDCs are addressed. I also wish to thank transit countries, development partners, United Nations agencies and others for their valuable support and assistance to LLDCs, and hope they will continue to support the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action.

At the outset, let me extend my gratitude to the co-Chairs of the Preparatory Committee, Ambassador Phansourivong, Permanent Representative of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Ambassador Per Thöresson, Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden, who also worked as a facilitator of the Committee for the whole of the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, for their robust efforts in coordinating the outcome document (resolution 69/137). I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Austrian Government for its dedicated efforts in hosting the Conference. Japan is pleased to join the consensus on the outcome document of the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Japan is committed to supporting the efforts of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in achieving sustainable development, including through the effective implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action. Japan has worked hand in hand with the LLDCs over the years, such as through the introduction of one-stop border posts in 14 locations on national borders in Africa and the Japan-Mekong Cooperation for enhancing regional connectivity, as well as economic development towards building the community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, based on the Tokyo Strategy 2012. Infrastructure development and trade facilitation, which were identified as priority areas in the new Vienna Programme of Action, are areas in which Japan holds its greatest expertise. Increased articulation with the global value chain through development in those areas would provide many benefits to LLDCs, such as the creation of new jobs and more highly developed industries, and could therefore act as an effective means of growth. Japan will continue to coordinate with LLDCs, transit developing countries and development partners in order to improve a comprehensive logistic environment through both infrastructure and human resource development. Japan will continue to be a dynamic and dependable partner for LLDCs in the future. This Programme of Action is the beginning of a new decade towards a bright future for LLDCs. We will continue to work together with LLDCs towards their growth and development.

We are indeed happy to note the overwhelming endorsement of the outcome (resolution 69/137) of the second Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Vienna last month. My delegation wholeheartedly accepts and supports the Vienna Programme of Action, the second major milestone, as a sequel to the one adopted in Almaty in 2003, providing landlocked countries with a new trajectory for development. The Governments of all landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and transit partners expressed their political will to implement the Programme of Action in conjunction with other global platforms and processes that will shape the post-2015 phase. The Vienna document will be an important and integral part of this global movement. The challenge now is to integrate and synthesize these parallel actions into the interconnected stream of development and to deliver as one. This will take place in the context of promoting infrastructure development, economic diversification, structural transformation, connectivity to global value chains and regional coordination. In this regard, the follow-up conference in Zambia next year will provide an opportunity to deliberate on how to assess and monitor the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action and to propose the appropriate tools and mechanisms. It will also provide a forum to analyse the extent of the partnerships that have been forged, including with the private sector and other multilateral institutions. Following up on the final culmination of the Almaty Programme of Action and, in anticipation of the Vienna Conference, my country had already taken into consideration measures to work towards overcoming the geographical disadvantages of landlockedness through the Path to the Future policy, which we call Nurly Zhol. This road map was delivered by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan earlier last month in his address to the nation. It is a well-conceived approach to every aspect of national development: raising national income, as well as economic and industrial growth, import and export flows, with adequate trade regulations, and upgrading and expanding the infrastructure of roads, all forms of transport, communications and technology, and renewable sources of energy, to mention a few. At the same time, Nurly Zhol reflects a very people-centred development based on the principles of the United Nations. We will be pleased to share our lessons learned and gain also from the strategies of other landlocked countries, since we all share similar challenges. The primary responsibility to implement the Vienna Programme of Action lies with national Governments, but, as in the case of all items on the United Nations agenda, the support of development partners is critical for LLDCs to reach their objectives. This calls for global solidarity and multilateral action under the leadership of the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States and the United Nations system as a whole. The Vienna Programme of Action is holistic, forward-looking and action-oriented. We must all embrace it fully and move forward with it if the LLDCs are to make their special mark on the world stage.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 22.