Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 23 October (BelTA) – The UN initiative UN70 Belarus Express for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) symbolizes our respect for the memory of those who defeated fascism and the recognition of the UN’s contribution to the cause of peace, Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said during the official train departure ceremony on 23 October, BelTA has learned.

“The UN Express symbolizes our respect for the memory of those who defeated fascism and the recognition of the UN’s contribution to the cause of peace and security. It also demonstrates our commitment and determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the recent UN summit,” Vladimir Makei noted.

He stressed that the campaign is absolutely unique. “Naturally, the idea of the UN Express was largely supported by local and international communities. Some time ago it was just a dream, and today it has come true. This is possible only when each of us makes concrete efforts. We hope that today we are starting the new tradition of cooperation of Belarus with the UN. Perhaps, this initiative will be supported by other states. We also appreciate and acknowledge the teamwork of the UN country team in Belarus who have prepared this noble and important campaign,” the Minister stressed.

According to Vladimir Makei, the UN initiative will play an important educational role for the younger generation who thus will be able to learn about the potential and good deeds of the United Nations. "Like 70 years ago we believe that we need the United Nations and there is no alternative to it. I like the slogan written on the railcars: "With the strong UN the world becomes better." But the creation of the strong UN depends on each of us. Together we can make the UN stronger and our country better and better,” said Vladimir Makei.

The start to the initiative was given by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko who participated in a ceremony to plant Tree of Peace in the Loshitsa Park in a sign of the commitment of Belarus to the UN goals of peace and sustainable development. "The ceremony to plant the Tree of Peace and Sustainable Development in Belarus has linked Minsk and New York where the Tree of Peace and Unity was planted on 5 May 2015 with the participation of the UN Secretary General,” the Minister added.