Europe and Asia's Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) stand at a critical juncture in their development journey. They are confronted with intricate development challenges, emanating from their lack of direct access to the sea, geographical remoteness, and lack of integration with world trade and global value chains. They contend with high trade costs, limited transport infrastructure, and cumbersome border and customs regulations — all of which undermine the competitiveness of their exports and hinder economic growth. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and the global macroeconomic downturn, have further compounded these pre-existing structural challenges, eroding some of the hard-won achievements of the past decade.

So where do we go from here?

The challenges are daunting, but there is a window of opportunity to reshape the trajectory of development for Europe and Asia's LLDCs. Next year, world leaders will gather in Kigali, Rwanda, to agree on a new programme of action to transform the livelihoods of over half a billion people living in landlocked developing countries globally. In the lead-up to this momentous conference, the United Nations is joining the 14 LLDCs in Europe and Asia, along with their transit neighbours, development partners, and other stakeholders this week in Bangkok. The meeting will undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs (VPoA) - a major international development compact agreed upon in 2014, outlining key areas of development to improve landlocked economies. It will also discuss priorities for the formulation of the next Programme of Action. For Europe and Asia, these priorities should include, among other important elements, the following five key areas.

Transit and Trade facilitation

The urgency of better integrating Europe and Asia's LLDCs into the global trade landscape and value chains cannot be overstated, and freedom of transit - allowing LLDCs to move freely through their neighbouring countries under mutually agreed terms - holds the key to achieving this. By providing LLDCs with unimpeded access to international markets, freedom of transit can help Euro-Asia's LLDCs to diversify their economies, attract investments, and integrate into global trade networks. In turn, this will also help transit countries to harness untapped potentials of enhanced connectivity, trade, and regional integration.

The continued establishment of efficient border infrastructure, such as one-stop border posts, SMART corridors, and intelligent transport systems (ITS), also remains of equal importance in their bid to increase trade. These measures have the potential to streamline and accelerate the movement of goods, ultimately reducing bottlenecks and trade expenses. But none of this would be possible without adequate infrastructure in the LLDCs, their transit neighbours, and stronger partnership and collaboration to enhance connectivity.

Infrastructure development

Infrastructure development is a catalyst for overcoming the inherent geographical challenges and other structural constraints faced by LLDCs. Adequate and well-maintained infrastructure, including road, rail, and air networks, can facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people across borders, reducing transportation costs and transit times, while IT infrastructure is vital for digital solutions, streamlining trade processes, fostering economic diversification, and harnessing the potentials of e-commerce. It is important to highlight the strides that have been achieved in enhancing transport networks across many Euro-Asian LLDCs, such as the Asian Highway Network, Trans-Asian Railway Network, and Euro-Asian Transport Links. However, several LLDCs in Europe and Asia continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure and disjointed connections between different modes of transportation. Prioritizing investments in infrastructure developments, particularly robust transportation networks will also enable the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products from LLDCs to global markets, facilitating value addition and fostering the growth of new manufacturing sectors.

For instance, in Bhutan - reliability and quality of roads continues to be an issue due to its rugged terrain while Nepal is confronted with multiple challenges such as a lack of operational efficiency and an inability to attract investment through public-private partnerships. During the next programme of action, Euro-Asia's LLDCs need to significantly boost investment in infrastructure development that can complete missing links, both domestically as well as along the Asian Highways, Trans-Asian Railways and Dry Ports. Investing in robust transportation networks will also enable the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products, facilitating value addition and fostering the growth of new manufacturing sectors, which brings us to yet another crucial area.

Diversifying economies and embracing digital technologies

LLDCs need to create more diversified and resilient economies while embracing technological advancements. Diversifying LLDC economies will help mitigate the risks associated with commodity price fluctuations and market uncertainties and provide a more stable path for equitable growth and development. Every chance to connect with regional and worldwide value chains should be explored to overcome the challenges posed by limited domestic markets. LLDCs should also explore new technologies that allow local enterprises to sell into global markets. More involvement in online businesses, digital services, and helping small businesses and women entrepreneurs are important too. We have witnessed it time and again - by bridging digital and connectivity gaps, LLDCs can effectively improve productivity and competitiveness on the global stage.

Building sustainable and climate-resilient economies

As a result of their location and greater reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, Euro-Asia's LLDCs continue to be disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. At the same time, their capacity to adapt to climate change is constrained by limited resources and productive capacities, weak infrastructure, and institutional shortcomings. Addressing these limitations through sustainable development strategies, technology transfer and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure can enhance resilience against climate shocks. Simply put – preparedness, capacity to respond, climate-resilient roads, bridges, and disaster-resistant buildings can minimize the impact of extreme weather events, by reducing disruptions to trade and economic activities.

Another crucial avenue for LLDCs lies in prioritizing clean energy. In South and Southeast Asian LLDCs, hydropower development emerges as a pivotal opportunity for generating clean energy and fostering regional cooperation. Notably, countries like Laos, Bhutan, and Nepal possess abundant rivers, translating into significant hydropower potential. This potential not only shapes their economic growth but also positions them as exporters of clean energy. Additionally, Euro-Asia's LLDCs need to have an enhanced voice in global climate negotiations and discussions, for their needs and priorities

to be incorporated into the global climate discourse.

Financial Support and capacity building

Given the heightened dependence of Euro-Asia's LLDCs on external finance both to address their macroeconomic challenges and to finance their development needs, they are highly reliant on developments in the global economy, including the international financial markets and the aid architecture. LLDCs often face limitations in terms of mobilising the financial resources necessary to support their development needs. During the current poly-crisis, these financing needs have widened further, with many LLDCs carrying growing debt burdens, which impede their development efforts.

The next Programme of Action needs to focus urgently on the debt issue in a comprehensive manner. Adequate financial support from various sources, including domestic revenues, international aid, and multilateral institutions, will be essential to bridge funding gaps and enable critical development projects. Development partners, International Financial Institutions, Regional Development Banks, multilateral institutions, and the private sector should prioritize targeted assistance in financing for development and long-term solution to debt. , This is indispensable in addressing the multifaceted challenges of LLDCs.

Ultimately, Euro-Asia's LLDCs cannot do it alone.

Forging the widest possible coalition of multi-stakeholder partnerships among LLDCs and transit countries as well as development partners and the private sector, is now more critical than ever as we embark on a new decade of action for LLDCs. The global community must stand together to support these countries, fostering an environment of growth, prosperity, and integration into the global economy. Only through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, the LLDCs can overcome their challenges and embark on a journey towards a brighter future for their people.

With the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs on the horizon, the regional review meeting in Bangkok this week presents a unique opportunity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs to rally global support and forge partnerships for transformative change. The meeting will set the stage for meaningful dialogues, innovative ideas, collective aspirations, exchange of best practices and experiences among LLDCs, transit countries, and development partners, as leaders and policymakers strive to unlock the immense potential of LLDCs in Asia and Europe.

Together, we can create pathways to prosperity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs and ensure that they are not left behind in our shared journey toward sustainable development.

Rabab Fatima is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

The development index of Ulaanbaatar city is 0.464, defined by 86 indicators in four groups: sustainability, quality of the living environment, accessibility, and competitiveness, and six categories: health, infrastructure, economy, society, education, and governance. The capital city authorities aim to increase the index to 0.570 in 2025, 0.630 in 2030, and 0.930 in 2050.

On August 21, the Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Sumiyabazar Dolgorsuren made a report on the actions and measures, including Law, Economy, and Healthy Governance Programs implemented since taking office as well as future plans to Members of Parliament elected from Ulaanbaatar city.

Having reported on the implementation process of the three pillars program - Law Program (70 percent performance) Economy Program (60 percent), and Healthy Governance Program (over 40 percent) Governor D. Sumiyabazar noted, "If a set of laws related to Ulaanbaatar city are developed and the law on land, law on construction, law on water, law on road transport, law on energy, law on specially protected areas, and the general law on state registration are adopted, the problems facing to the capital can be sorted out economically and in terms of governance. Over 48 thousand employees are working in 123 organizations under the capital. It is possible to direct the development of Ulaanbaatar city within the 86 indicators that are presented today.”

“With the support of the Temporary Committee responsible for the development of Ulaanbaatar city, the Law on the Legal Status of the Capital was renewed after 27 years. Also, at an extended session of 2021, the government comprehensively discussed the problems in Ulaanbaatar city for the first time and decided to allot a budget of MNT 420 billion annually to solve the city congestion, one of the biggest problems in the capital.

An average of 2.8 million daily commuters travel to the city center from five major locations. 1042 buses serve 107 routes on the 48.2 km road through the city's four main avenues: Peace Avenue, Chinggis Avenue, Ard Ayush Avenue, and Chinggeltei Avenue. The population of Ulaanbaatar is expected to reach 2.6 million by 2040. To increase the accessibility of public transport and assist relieve traffic congestion, it is considered necessary to extend the above four avenues, creating new lanes to make them have three lanes at the first stage. Only public transport should travel on the first lane, and the 13.7 km of road should be expanded in the first step. As a result, traffic congestion will be reduced by eight percent, and the average driving speed will be 11.7 km/h.

Moreover, it has been estimated that traffic congestion will decrease by six percent by introducing short turns to remote areas of the capital city, where accessibility of public transportation is poor. In other words, by establishing 181 bus stations for short-turn service and building 86.1 km of new roads, it is possible to expand access to public transportation, underscored Mayor D.Sumiyabazar. A comprehensive reform is being carried out to renew the fleet of public transport, planning to buy a total of 1225 buses. Out of them, 415 buses have been imported and the remaining 810 buses will be brought this year.

In addition, the Mayor pointed out that the Policy Research and Analysis Center operates under the Governor of the Capital and the Capital makes decisions based on the results of studies and research by foreign and domestic scholars.

In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, the number of seats in general education schools increased by 5300 and kindergarten beds by 3605 in the past three years. Specifically, four schools, 14 kindergartens, seven complexes of elementary schools and kindergartens, and 11 Houses of Mongolian heritage and traditions were established.

In conjunction with the Mongolian Government’s announcing 2023 to 2024 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” Nas Summit, a global conference for content creators took place in Mongolia on August 19, 2023. It was co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia.

The most influential Mongolian and international content creators and investors in the creative economy gathered at the Conference, which has been held in over ten countries, to share their unique knowledge and insights.

"Nas Summit – Mongolia" received applications from over ten thousand young people, and 1,200 participants were selected to attend.

The Nas Summit featured a variety of speakers, including:

Nuseir Yassin, CEO of Nas Company and Creator of the popular YouTube channel Nas Daily (63 million followers)

Julius Dein, the World's Biggest Magician (72 million followers)

Dhruv Rathee, Explainers that Inspire (21.4 million followers)

Daniela Rita, travel creator and audiovisual communicator (4 million followers)

Wil Dasovich, Filipino-American television personality, model, and vlogger (7 million followers)

Alan Wurman, creator of Alan's Theory (1.3 million followers)

Alyne Tamir, the internet's favorite travel vlogger (3.8 million followers)

Jordan Matter, the Most successful “Old” YouTuber in the World (28 million followers)

Mark Weins, an American travel and food blogger (20 million followers)

Ch. Nomin, Minister of Culture; Una Bold, Mongolia's Best Vlogger; Gremix, the biggest Mongolian YouTuber; and Gankhuyag Chuluun Khutagt, CEO of Ard Financial Group participated in the Nas Summit – Mongolia from the Mongolian side, discussing the future of content creation in Mongolia, and creating content outside and inside Mongolia.

“Good content is produced by people who can build relationships with others, not people with a lot of money. Content creators in the online world are all unique. They can stand out for a variety of reasons, such as the topics they discuss, their dress, style, or words. For example, you could stand out as a Mongolian, as there are only about 3 million Mongolians in the world out of more than 8 billion people. Please remember to share with someone what you have learned through content creation,” highlighted Alyne Tamir.

In his presentation, Charles Kerr, Strategic Partner Member at YouTube, said “To stay ahead of the curve, content creators must be mindful of the ever-changing needs and preferences of their audiences and make sure to update their content accordingly. Based on a recent survey, YouTube users are more likely to watch content presented in a variety of formats. Therefore, it is significant to diversify your content on your YouTube channel by creating different types of content, such as long and short videos, podcasts, and live streams. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing and is making inroads into the content industry. AI-based systems, such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Midjourney can help content creators increase their reach by automating tasks, generating ideas, and personalizing content.”

As of July, the total foreign exchange reserves reached USD 3.8 billion. It increased by 12% from the beginning of the year and by 33% from a year ago.

However foreign exchange reserves increased, MNT has weakened against the USD and is equal to MNT 3473. 1 USD was equal to MNT 3440 in July.

The Bank of Mongolia is in charge of ensuring the ability and reliability of foreign exchange reserves that it owns and manages. The state reserves of foreign exchange in the Bank of Mongolia consist of the following types of assets:

Gold stored in foreign banks and financial institutions,

Convertible foreign exchange in cash and non-cash form,

Promissory notes held in freely convertible foreign currencies,

All types of securities denominated in freely convertible foreign currency issued or certified by foreign governments, central banks, and international financial institutions,

Other assets considered as foreign exchange reserves internationally.

The number of flights between Russia and Mongolia will increase to seven per week with the possibility of connection flights to China and Europe, the Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsia) said.

"The parties agreed to set the frequency of flights by designated air carriers on each route at seven flights per week. Restrictions on the capacity of the aircraft types that are used will be lifted for the parties' airlines," the document, which was published on the agency's website, says.

Under the agreement, Russian airlines will be able to fly to Ulaanbaatar, Choibalsan, Ulgiy, and Ulaangom, while Mongolian airlines will be able to fly to Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Chita, Ulan-Ude, Novosibirsk, and Kyzyl.

The destinations in other countries which the air carriers can fly to are also indicated. For Russian air carriers, these are flights to Seoul and Beijing, and for Mongolian air carriers to Istanbul, Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, London, Prague, and Munich. The flights require approval from the aviation authorities of other countries.

New Delhi: An EIL delegation met with the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr Khurelbaatar Chimed, the Honorable Deputy Speaker of State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia, Mr Munkhbaatar Lkhagva and the Honorable Chairman of Citizens’ Representative Khural of Dornogobi Province, Mr B. Ganzorig in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to discuss the implementation of the 1.5 MMTPA Crude Oil Refinery in Mongolia, being executed by EIL as PMC under G2G collaboration through Line of Credit (LOC).

The EIL delegation was led by Ms Vartika Shukla, C&MD, Senior officials from EIL along with H.E. Mr M.P. Singh, Indian Ambassador to Mongolia and Dr Altantsetseg, CEO - Mongol Refinery State Owned LLC.

The Robot Challenge World 2023 competition was held in Beijing, China, on August 11-13, 2023.

3,000 participants from 24 countries, more than 1,600 robots competed for 12 sets of medals, 600 judges, and 220 organizations cooperated in the competition. Mongolian team with 45 members led by captain Batzaya took part in the opening.

14 students from Mongol Temuulel School with teachers B.Ariunbolor and G.Shine-Od, 4 students from Shine Erin School with teacher G.Iderjargal participated in 7 categories. Teacher G.Shine-Od, who took part in the mega sumo-adult category, took second place on the first day and won a silver medal.

On the 3rd day of the competition, Mongolian 2 student teams participated in the Robot rugby-senior category and won gold and bronze medals, and the name of Mongol Temuulel School was highly valued on the international stage. The Shine Erin School team took 5th place out of 25 teams and participated successfully.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia B. Battsetseg received young diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China yesterday.

The Minister B. Battsetseg underscored the active development of all-embracing cooperation based on the comprehensive strategic partnership between Mongolia and China, highly appreciated the contribution of the diplomats of the two countries to the further expansion of good neighborly relations, and pointed out that young diplomats play an important role in developing this cooperation in a new era.

As part of the cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, young Chinese diplomats are visiting Mongolia on August 21-24 and will get acquainted with the development of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and the countryside, Mongolian history, culture and lifestyle.

The production of the industrial sector in Mongolia reached MNT 15.6 trillion in seven months, increasing by MNT 5.4 trillion or 53.2 percent compared to last year.

This was due to the increase of the mining production by MNT 4.3 trillion or 64.8 percent and the processing industry by MNT 825.7 billion or 32percent, according to the National Statistics Office.

The preliminary estimates indicate that sales of the products of the industrial sector in the first seven months of 2023 reached MNT 25.1 trillion, increasing by 75.5 percent. This was due to the increase in the sales of the mining and extraction industry by MNT 9.3 trillion or 92.5 percent and the sales of the processing industry by 36.8 percent .

Growth of the sales of the mining and extraction industries by 92.5 percent compared to the previous year was mainly due to the increase of sales of the coal mining sector by 3.8 times, metal ore mining by MNT 624.5 billion, and oil mining by MNT 555.5 billion.

An operation has been carried out in Lake Khuvsgul to locate and remove sunken vehicles since this June at the initiative of President of Mongolia. The operation aims to protect the local ecological system by cleaning the bottom of the lake from hazardous waste and reducing its pollution.

During his visit, a 17.8-ton tank car of the Zil-130 model was removed from the lake, which sank in 1981 at a depth of 74 meters.

The vehicles that have been recovered since this June include a Zil-130 fuel truck with a trailer that sank in 1995 at a depth of 128 meters, about 2.5 kilometers from the Maraan Bay of Lake Khuvsgul, and a 6-ton fuel trail at a depth of 54 meters, about 1.4 kilometers from the shore of Lake Khuvsgul.

In total, 34.7 tons of fuel and lubricants were removed from vehicles, which is a significant contribution to reducing pollution of Khuvsgul Lake and the environment.