First National Forum on Sustainable Development in Minsk

The first National Forum on Sustainable Development in Minsk has brought together over 400 delegates: representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Economy Ministry, the Labor and Social Security Ministry, the Energy Ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, the National Statistics Committee, the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the Hi-Tech Park, manufacturing companies, higher learning institutions, NGOs, UN agencies and international experts. They are set to share views and put forward proposals on the further action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. They will also outline goals and objectives for the short-term, mid-term and long-term perspectives.

Belarus will submit a report on its progress in achieving the SDGs and implementing the national strategy on sustainable social and economic development for the period till 2030 and preparation of the national sustainable development strategy through 2035. Special attention will be paid to the implementation by Belarus of the recommendations of the UN experts (MAPS mission) to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs and interaction with international partners.

Panel discussions will consider several areas: sustainable economic growth as a prerequisite for ensuring high quality of life of the Belarusian people, environmental safety,  sustainable use of natural resources, improving the quality of life by providing access to high-quality healthcare, education and decent work.

Special consideration will be given to digitalization as a driver of economic growth, transformation of the energy system for sustainable development. Belarus will also showcase its national reporting platform on the Sustainable Development Goals and SDG indicators and the project to assist the Republic of Belarus in nationalizing and localizing the Sustainable Development Goals.

The participants of the forum are expected to prepare recommendations which will be used by the Council for Sustainable Development and, if necessary, forwarded to the Parliament and the government for finalization. They can also be presented at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

The event is organized by the national coordinator for the SDGs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the support of the UN Office in Belarus.

The United Nations adopted the Agenda 2030 in 2015. It includes 17 goals aimed at eradicating poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, mitigating the climate change. The Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of people's lives, to promote development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. All 17 goals are being adapted for Belarus. Belarus’ national architecture for achieving the SDGs includes the Council for Sustainable Development (which includes representatives from all government agencies), partners and other groups, civil society and international organizations. All their proposals will be reflected in the national sustainable development strategy until 2035. The policy documents, legislation will also rely on the Agenda 2030 goals.