In a videoconference on August 13, 2026, the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Asad M. Khan, and the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), Ms. Rabab Fatima, discussed possible cooperation on addressing the challenges faced by 7 ECO landlocked Member States.
In his remarks, the ECO Secretary General acknowledged the services rendered by Ms. Fatima during her tenure as the UN High Representative for least developed, landlocked and small island developing countries, wishing continued success in her new position. Dr. Khan provided an update on the ECO activities, particularly in the connectivity domain which is a top priority for the ECO Membership. He further informed about the International Financing Conference for ECO Transport Corridors and Projects which will engage all stakeholders from within and outside ECO Region. He invited the OHRLLS to join the other partners in the preparatory process and the Conference which is scheduled for 2027.
During the meeting, ECO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Nurberdiyev briefed the UN Official on the ECO activities since Awaza Conference and the upcoming ECO kick-off meeting on implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action in the ECO Region.
Ms. Fatima Rabab acknowledged the importance of the ECO where 7 important landlocked and 3 transit countries are members. She briefed the Secretary General on the OHRLLS’ activities in the first year of implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action. She also appraised the role of some ECO landlocked countries in chairing the relevant UN committees and groups.
Both sides discussed the ways and means to assist implementation of the Awaza Programme of Action in the ECO Region. They agreed to establish a technical contact group to continue coordination on joint actions for securing their shared goals.
