Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 21 February (BelTA) – The forum for the Sustainable Development Goals in Minsk is intended to contribute to the regional and global stability, Belarus’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei said at the regional forum of national SDG coordinators from Europe and Central Asia on 21 February, BelTA has learned.

The minister stressed that the Belarusian idea to convene a meeting of high-ranking representatives of the countries of the region who work in the field of sustainable development was the result of understanding the need for an international mechanism to coordinate the actions of the states in this field.

According to the minister, Belarus has never been just an observer of international development efforts. Belarus, together with partners, developed a concept of sustainable development, suggested new ideas and content for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Belarus attaches priority attention to the social and economic issues of the 2030 Agenda. The Belarusian government has adopted about 20 state programs. Among the priorities are employment, housing construction, support for the most vulnerable segments of the population, and environmental protection. Progress has been made in eradicating poverty and addressing the problems of low income. Belarus has also been one of the first countries in the region to join the Paris Climate Agreement. Belarus intends to develop electric transport, which will significantly improve the quality of air in cities.

The minister expressed the confidence that Belarus will intensify the work across all areas of sustainable development.