International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries 2026

The International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries is observed on August 06, 2026. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2025 and has been observed ever since. The date does not refer to a specific historic event.

The purpose of the day is to highlight the unique development circumstances of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), which face higher transport and trade costs, limited access to maritime routes, and greater vulnerability to external economic and environmental shocks. It draws attention to the need for tailored policies and international cooperation to support these nations. There's 32 LLDCs across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

This International Day of Awareness of the Special Development Needs and Challenges of Landlocked Developing Countries encourages governments, international organizations and the private sector to strengthen connectivity, infrastructure, reasonable transit regimes and investment in LLDCs. The United Nations calls for partnerships and innovative approaches to ensure that landlocked developing countries can participate fully in the global economy and achieve sustainable development.