Opinions & Interviews

Sanaka Samarasinha views the current level of cooperation as high. In his words, the UN agencies in Belarus “work not just as guests but as friends and partners.” Their work includes not only the allocation of financial resources but also the provision of help to underprivileged people.

According to Head of the Multilateral Diplomacy Department of the Foreign Ministry of Belarus Yuri Ambrazevich, the conference discussed the cooperation prospects between the UN, the government, the civil society and private business, outlined priority areas in cooperation. He expressed hope that “the debates will give rise to ideas which will be later implemented in our country and make a considerable contribution to its development.” According to Yuri Ambrazevich, the UN structures are reliable partners that are rational and efficient addition to the national efforts.

“Belarus is a strong state. A strong state is a driving force for the national development,” Yuri Ambrazevich said. “Our country’s successful development is a contribution to the international and regional security,” he stated adding that the Belarusian experience can be in demand in the countries with similar issues. Yuri Ambrazevich stressed that Belarus is ready to share its experience.

As was informed, the government, the United Nations, and other partied concerned, including Belarusian citizens, businessmen and scientists, are actively involved in the preparation of the UN Development Assistance Framework for Belarus for 2016–2020. The first framework program for 2011-2015 significantly contributed to the coordinated, harmonized and streamlined management of the funds donated for the projects of the UN agencies in Belarus. In 2011-2015 the agencies received the total of $490 million for the first development assistance framework. The new framework program is focused on four areas that are of major importance for Belarus: sustainable economic development; inclusive, responsible and accountable governance; conservation and sustainable use of natural resources based on the principles of “green” economy; sustainable development of human capital with emphasis on health, education, social involvement, and social protection.

The conference was organized by the Belarusian Foreign Ministry and the UN Office in Belarus. Partaking in the forum were representatives of 22 international organizations and 10 donor countries as well as representatives of government agencies, NGOs, private sector, academic community and religious organizations.