Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 18 January (BelTA) - Belarus is interested in developing cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Vice Speaker of the Council of the Republic Marianna Shchetkina said as she met with UNICEF representative in Belarus Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar on 17 January, BelTA learned from the press service of the upper house of the Belarusian Parliament.

The parties discussed the cooperation, the country program for 2016-2020.

Marianna Shchetkina noted that Belarus is interested in further cooperation with UNICEF, including in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at protecting and respecting the rights of children, preserving their health. “Your organization does good things and works for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are interested in the further development of our partnership,” she said.

In turn, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar commended the the country’s efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. “In terms of some indicators Belarus is a good example for other countries,” he said.

Belarus is a member of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The mission of the UNICEF is to support national plans and programs in the field of health and development of young children, to improve the situation of children and adolescents, including those with special development needs, orphans and refugee children, and to prevent addictions, HIV/AIDS among children and youth, to promote and defend the rights of the child.