Opinions & Interviews

BREST, 26 October (BelTA) – Belarus can count on support from the United Nations with its gender policy initiatives, Karen Daduryan, Deputy Regional Director at the UNFPA Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said as he attended an event held as part of the UN70 Express campaign in Brest on 26 October, BelTA has learned.

“We are very impressed with Belarus’ progress in matters of motherhood, family, healthcare, and gender equality. For example, we know that the maternal mortality rate in Belarus is very low. This, of course, is a result of hard work. Today we are concerned that the birth rate in many countries is low. To increase the birth rate, it is necessary to conduct social policy, support families, ensure mother's health, and promote gender equality and equal participation of fathers and mothers in childcare. If these requirements are satisfied, the result will not be long in coming. In Brest, this result is evident. I hope that Brest Oblast will share its best practices with other Belarusian regions. On behalf of the United Nations and the UNFPA, we are ready to support Belarus, regions, all of you in these endeavors,” Karen Daduryan noted.

Quality education and gender equality were the main topics of the UN70 Express campaign in Brest. Deputy Chairman of the Brest Oblast Executive Committee Leonid Tsuprik welcomed the participants of the campaign and noted that the region takes an active part in the implementation of the national plan of action for gender equality. A working group of experts has been set up under the Brest Oblast Executive Committee to facilitate the implementation of gender policy and attract public associations. The development of the women’s movement, intensification of partnership ties between women's associations and government bodies positively influence the social status of women in the region. Besides, Leonid Tsuprik pointed out that in 2014 Brest Oblast was the only region in Belarus to see an increase in population.

Brest was the third city on the route of the UN70 Express after Grodno and Baranovichi. UNICEF representative to Belarus Rashed Mustafa Sarwar shared his impressions of the campaign with BelTA. “The journey is wonderful. I get a boost of energy at each stop. People are in festive mood. I think nobody here can get bored or tired. The warm welcome that we receive in regions, the support and understanding – this is the main thing. I believe this train has brought Belarus closer to the United Nations and its agencies, including UNICEF. Of course, Belarusians knew about the Organization, about the Sustainable Development Goals, but now they will know even more. This is an amazing platform for dialogue and partnership between Belarus and the UN,” Rashed Mustafa Sarwar said.

On 26 October, the Brest Oblast Youth Art Center is playing host to exhibitions, workshops, seminars, discussions, and trainings. Events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations are also held at other venues in Brest.