Landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) are among the poorest nations, often exhibiting the lowest socioeconomic development and growth rates. The 32 LLDCs face substantial challenges—including lack of sea access, isolation from international markets, high trade and transportation costs, and inadequate infrastructure connectivity. To address these hurdles, the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s Special Body on Least Developed and Landlocked Developing Countries convened a Ministerial Conference in 2003. Marked as the first international gathering focused exclusively on LLDCs, it led to the Almaty Programme of Action (2004–2014), and subsequently the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA, 2014–2024). South–South cooperation has been crucial to implementing these programs, reflecting the ten principles of the Bandung Conference—often referred to as the “Bandung Spirit.”

What Is the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA)?
The Vienna Programme of Action is a ten-year United Nations initiative (2014–2024) designed to support the sustainable development of LLDCs. It addresses their particular challenges—such as the need for improved infrastructure, restricted access to international markets, and high transport costs—by emphasizing increased connectivity and market access. The VPoA focuses on six priority areas:

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