Parliamentary Forum: Opening (LLDC3)

· Opening Session/High-Level Plenary (10:00-10:40)

Description: The Opening Session will feature high-level delegates from Turkmenistan Parliament, UN-OHRLLS, Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the President of the UN General Assembly, among others.

· Thematic Session 1 (10:40-11:50) - From Vienna to Awaza: Unresolved Challenges, Lessons Learned and Emerging Opportunities

Description: Drawing insights from the implementation of Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA), this panel session will set the stage by providing the participants with a summary on the implementation of the VPoA, looking at national/regional experiences and lessons learned in the last decade while also exploring the emerging opportunities and the role that parliamentarians can play to drive forward the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) for LLDCs' development over the next decade.

· Thematic Session 2 (11:50-13:00) - Shaping and Strengthening Multilateral Trading System that Delivers for All in the LLDCs

Description: WTO rules are negotiated at the global level, yet their legitimacy derives from the fact that these rules are ratified in national parliaments. Acknowledging the potential of international trade to drive economic prosperity, inclusive growth and poverty reduction in the LLDCs, this session reflects on the importance of parliamentary engagement in shaping the future of multilateral trade cooperation. It will delve into mechanisms for parliamentary oversight in trade negotiation processes, ensuring transparency and democratic accountability by monitoring impacts of trade agreements on constituencies. Digital trade has grown exponentially over the last two decades, revolutionizing societies and presenting unprecedented opportunities and challenges for LLDCs in cross-border trade. This new reality necessitates more robust parliamentary engagement with the WTO- enacting appropriate legislation and frameworks to uphold open, secure, easy and fair trade.