The Lesotho Permanent Mission to the United Nations, working alongside the International Organization for Migration, hosted an important briefing session in New York for the group of Least Developed Landlocked Countries. The meeting took place at the Mission offices and focused on preparations for the upcoming International Migration Forum. It brought together representatives from LLDC member states to align priorities ahead of the global discussions. The session highlighted the importance of coordinated engagement on migration issues affecting landlocked developing countries. It also reinforced Lesotho’s active diplomatic role in multilateral cooperation on development and migration policy.
The briefing was delivered by IOM Special Envoy Ms. Catalina Devandral, who provided a detailed overview of the key themes expected at the International Migration Forum. She emphasised the importance of active participation from LLDCs to ensure their concerns are fully represented in global discussions. She also stressed the need for evidence-based reporting to strengthen policy outcomes and improve decision-making processes. Ms. Devandral highlighted that landlocked developing countries face unique structural challenges that must be addressed through targeted international cooperation. These include mobility constraints, limited access to trade routes and increased vulnerability in migration systems. Her presentation encouraged member states to prepare coordinated positions ahead of the forum.
The Acting Chair of the LLDC group, H.E. Ms. Aida Kasymalieva, who serves as Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations, also addressed the session. She underlined the importance of the meeting in advancing the interests of landlocked developing countries within global frameworks. She specifically pointed to key issues such as transit access, trade facilitation and transport connectivity that continue to affect LLDCs. She noted that these priorities align closely with the Awaza Programme of Action, which provides a strategic framework for addressing development challenges faced by LLDCs. Her remarks reinforced the need for unity and coordinated advocacy among member states. She also encouraged stronger collaboration to ensure that LLDC concerns remain visible in international negotiations.
Lesotho played a facilitating role in hosting and organising the briefing in its capacity as one of the International Organization for Migration appointed champion countries for migration. This designation reflects Lesotho’s commitment to advancing migration governance and supporting international cooperation on mobility issues. By convening the LLDC group, Lesotho demonstrated leadership in creating platforms for dialogue and coordination among affected countries. The meeting also highlighted the importance of partnerships between member states and international organisations in addressing complex migration and development challenges. The collaborative approach ensured that participants were able to exchange views and align their positions effectively ahead of the global forum.
The briefing session hosted by the Lesotho Permanent Mission to the United Nations marked an important step in strengthening cooperation among Least Developed Landlocked Countries ahead of the International Migration Forum. The engagement provided a platform for strategic discussions on migration, trade and transit challenges that continue to affect LLDCs. Through contributions from Ms. Catalina Devandral and H.E. Ms. Aida Kasymalieva, the meeting reinforced the need for coordinated advocacy and evidence-based policy engagement. Lesotho’s role as a facilitator and migration champion country further demonstrated its commitment to international cooperation and multilateral diplomacy. The session strengthened collective preparedness and positioned LLDCs to engage more effectively in global migration discussions.
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