Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – Belarus is an active supporter of integration at the global and regional level. Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Mikhail Myasnikovich made the statement as he met with UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed on 20 February, BelTA has learned.

Mikhail Myasnikovich said: “Belarus is an active adherent of integration both at the global level and the regional one.” The fact that the country hosts a regional forum of national SDG coordinators confirms it once again.

The head of the upper chamber of the Belarusian parliament noted that Belarus is concerned by the fact that some countries mention departure from global integration goals. “Belarus shapes its policy and economy bearing global and regional integration trends in mind. We intend to take part in the work of transnational companies, financial and industrial groups. We believe that there are good prospects in it,” stressed Mikhail Myasnikovich.

Amina Mohammed arrived in Belarus upon the invitation of Marianna Shchetkina, Deputy Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the national coordinator for achieving the sustainable development goals. During the meeting at the UN HQ in New York in July 2017 Marianna Shchetkina invited the UN deputy secretary general to take part in the regional forum of national SDG coordinators, which will take place in Minsk on 21-22 February and will gather delegations from over 40 countries. Top-ranking officials, representatives of international organizations are expected to participate in the forum. Participants of the forum are expected to share the best practices in achieving the SDGs. They will discuss problems in fulfilling the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The dialogue is expected to contribute to spreading the best international practices and innovative approaches to reaching the SDGs. It will become a platform for creating a regional network of national SDG coordinators.

UN member states adopted the 2030 Agenda on 25 September 2015. It includes 17 goals meant to eliminate poverty, fight inequality and injustice, resolve problems relating to climate change. Belarus has already taken a number of important steps to reach the SDGs. The government has adopted a national strategy on sustainable social and economic development till 2030. A national infrastructure for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals has been built. The government works to achieve the SDGs together with the private sector, the civil society, and international organizations.