Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 24 February (BelTA) - Belarus and the United Nations Development Program have achieved considerable success in joint projects, Belarus’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valentin Rybakov said when speaking at the ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the UN Development Program, BelTA has learnt.

“Over the years of its existence and work in Belarus the UNDP has turned into a very credible organization with a strong expert, resource, and human capacity to provide assistance to the countries that need it. Belarus cooperates closely with the UNDP, and we have achieved significant results in addressing a range of issues that confront our country,” Valentin Rybakov said.

He recalled that Belarus was the first country in the CIS to host a UNDP office. “Despite the fact that we have achieved considerable success in our interaction, there is still much work ahead of us to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The first step in this work is the joint implementation of United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for the Republic of Belarus for 2016-2020,” said Valentin Rybakov. The UNDAF pays particular attention to effective governance, economic growth, environmental protection and human development. Valentin Rybakov also thanked the UNDP for helping to implement the Chernobyl programs.

On behalf of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Valentin Rybakov congratulated the UNDP on its 50th anniversary and wished the organization every success in attaining its goals.

The UN Development Program was established in January 1966 through the merger of two organizations: The Expanded Program of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and Special Fund (SF). Today, the UNDP operates on a global scale and relies on local initiative and local interests.