Awaza Programme of Action Puts Climate Resilience and Gender Equity at the Centre of LLDC Development Agenda
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Institutions: Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change
At the Third Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Awaza, the UN spotlighted the disproportionate climate and disaster risks facing LLDCs, which, despite covering 12 per cent of global land, accounted for nearly 20 per cent of droughts and landslides over the past decade. The Awaza Programme of Action (2024β2034) is the first global framework for LLDCs that integrates climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. UNDRR noted that these countries suffer three times the global average in economic losses and higher mortality when disasters strike, owing to vulnerabilities such as drylands, mountainous terrain, seismic activity, and limited financial and governance capacity.
Gender featured prominently, with UN-OHRLLS highlighting both progress and persistent gaps. Women now hold one-third of parliamentary seats in LLDCs, but nearly 75 million live in extreme poverty and 150 million face food insecurity. Informal employment, early marriage, and digital exclusion remain significant barriers. The ITU emphasized expanding digital access and STEM opportunities for women and girls. The conference is expected to conclude with a reaffirmation of political commitment to implement the action plan.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can Indian policy institutions adapt international frameworks for climate resilience and gender equity to address the specific vulnerabilities of Indian regions distant from coastal access, in light of global experiences from LLDCs?
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https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165595