Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 December (BelTA) – The open parliamentary hearings on the partnership between the branches of power as a necessary condition for successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals will be held for the first time at the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly on 19 December, spokesman for the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dmitry Mironchik told a press briefing on 14 December, BelTA has learned.

The meeting will highlight cooperation at the national and international levels on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals as an essential part of the agenda. “The hearings on the issue will be held in Belarus for the first time. Taking part in them will be representatives of the two chambers of the National Assembly, government members, public organizations, international experts, diplomats accredited in Belarus, including representatives of international organizations,” Dmitry Mironchik said.

Speaking at the meeting on the behalf of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Dapkiunas. He will speak about international cooperation in SDGs sector as a foreign policy instrument, Belarus’ efforts in the context of the global achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the prospects of the country’s international activity in the sector, and also suggest practical steps in the area.

As BelTA has reported earlier, the parliamentary hearings will determine the priority areas in further activity on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Belarus, work out the corresponding recommendations to government bodies and interested organizations and associations.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted on 25 September 2015. It includes 17 goals aimed at eliminating poverty, inequality and injustice, and also addressing climate change.

Belarus has already undertaken a number of important steps in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The government approved the national sustainable social and economic development strategy through 2030. The head of state has appointed Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic Marianna Shchetkina as national coordinator for the SDGs. The national architecture has been developed for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It includes the Council on Sustainable Development, the parliamentary group on SDGs and a partner group on sustainable development.