Geneva, Switzerland. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries (ITTLLDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support capacity development needs of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs).
The MoU was signed in Palais des Nations at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) by Mr. Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of UNITAR, and Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od, Executive Director of ITTLLDC.
The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Ms. Davaasuren Gerelmaa, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations Office in Geneva; H.E. Mr. Tenzin Rondel Wangchuk, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bhutan to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Mr. Sandagdorj Erdenebileg, Chief of United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS); and Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity of UNITAR.
“Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face unique challenges due to their geographical location as they need to trade through multiple border crossings. On top of that, Covid-19 and the on-going energy and food crisis have increased these challenges and threaten to erode the hard-won progress we have achieved over the years and pushing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals further out of reach. We’re delighted to collaborate with the ITTLLDC – an intergovernmental think tank – in addressing the challenges faced by LLDCs through customized knowledge.” Said Mr. Nikhil Seth, Executive Director of UNITAR.
ITTLLDC’s expertise in research and policy development will be combined with UNITAR’s expertise in developing and delivering high quality learning solutions and related knowledge products and services to enhance decision-making and to support country-level action to address pressing development challenges of LLDCs.
“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with UNITAR is a significant event and a crucial step to building capacity and strengthening the knowledge of diplomats of landlocked developing countries. The International Think Tank is a platform for knowledge sharing, deepening collaboration, generating knowledge and developing the analytical tools to overcome the ever-ongoing common challenges of LLDCs. I am highly grateful that the UNITAR supported the ITTLLDC in joining the forces with us for the benefit of all LLDCs.” Said Mr. Dulguun Damdin-Od, Executive Director of ITTLLDC.
The collaboration between UNITAR and ITTLLDC will mobilize resources and deliver training and capacity development and networking opportunities for LLDCs in areas related to trade and transport policy development; business and investment facilitation; digital finance and frontier technologies; entrepreneurship and private sector development; as well as other thematic areas relevant to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Landlocked Developing Countries.
“We are all fully aware that LLDCs face unique challenges in achieving their development goals due to their remoteness to international markets. UNITAR will be able to support LLDCs through its expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of tailored and innovative training solutions. We are excited to formalize our collaboration with ITTLLDC as we will be able to have greater engagement with our development partners in bringing sustainable prosperity across the LLDCs and beyond.” Said Ms. Mihoko Kumamoto, Director, Division for Prosperity of UNITAR.
Preparatory technical work is now on-going and will be formally launched in September 2022 with a view to engage development partners to deliver joint initiatives within 12 months.
UNITAR and ITTLLDC are thankful to the distinguished guests from the diplomatic missions in Geneva and representatives of LLDCs who attended the signing ceremony.
About ITTLLDC
The International Think Tank for Land Locked Developing Countries (ITTLLDC) is an inter-governmental organization and a centre of excellence for high quality research and policy advice aimed to strengthen the analytical capacities of landlocked developing countries in economic growth and poverty reduction. ITTLLDC is based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Website:
