Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 1 October (BelTA) – The development of an active longevity strategy in Belarus is necessary for the stable economic development. The statement was made by Belarusian Labor and Social Protection Minister Irina Kostevich during the UNECE regional conference Enabling Choices: Population Dynamics and Sustainable Development, BelTA has learned. The conference is taking place in Geneva on 1-2 October.

According to the source, Belarusians older than 65 constitute nearly 15% of the population. The number is expected to approach 20% by 2030. “Our country has no vast natural resources. This is why only human capital can produce an economic growth leap. Losing this resource will have a major impact on the country’s future development. Recognizing this problem, Belarusians have started working out an active longevity strategy,” said the official.

The strategy is expected to improving the quality of life for elderly Belarusians. They will also be able to more productively partake in public and economic processes.

Irina Kostevich noted that Belarus wholeheartedly supports conclusions of the regional report on implementing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). In particular, Belarus shares the belief that approaches to the ICPD’s future implementation should be connected with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The labor and social protection minister spoke at length about what Belarus had achieved in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Belarus’ efforts in this field are not limited to the national level. Belarus sees its role in assisting with pooling efforts to fulfill the 2030 Agenda at least on the scale of the UNECE region. On the way to reaching this goal we are inspired by the serious attention paid to reaching the SDGs at the state level. A national coordinator institution has been established. An open team has been set up and is constantly expanding. The partners join us out of their own will and work together on making sure the sustainable development improves the living standards and wellbeing of people,” noted Irina Kostevich.

The regional conference Enabling Choices: Population Dynamics and Sustainable Development has been organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Over 300 delegates from 40 countries are taking part in it.