Opinions & Interviews

MOGILEV, 2 December (BelTA) – The United Nations Organization thinks highly of Belarus’ commitment to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. UNFPA Assistant Representative Yelena Kasko made the statement during the opening ceremony of a regional stage in the campaign Inclusive Belarus: Leaving No One Behind in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Mogilev on 2 December, BelTA has learned.

The UNFPA Assistant Representative said: “In 2015 all the UN member states confirmed their commitment to reaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that we hope we will reach by 2030. The United Nations Organization thinks highly of Belarus’ commitment to reach these goals. This year the Inclusive Belarus campaign is focused on goal No. 10 — reduced inequalities. We hope that through joint efforts — not only as part of the ongoing campaign in Belarus — of government agencies, public and international organizations, the private sector and citizens we will be able to make the society more inclusive, more open, more accessible and barrier-free for everyone, primarily the vulnerable population groups.”

According to Deputy Chairman of the Mogilev Oblast Executive Committee Valery Malashko, the government traditionally supports the vulnerable population groups in Belarus. In Mogilev Oblast alone there are over 60,000 people with disabilities but education and sport institutions are not accessible for everyone so far. “A lot has yet to be done to reach the reduced inequalities goal. We are confident that through UN-sponsored projects in Mogilev Oblast we will be able to provide more assistance to this category of citizens. And this practice can be seen in populated localities all over the oblast. As an example I can mention the resolution of employment issues, access to healthcare services, to education institutions, and other matters,” said the deputy head of the Mogilev Oblast administration.

Valery Malashko handed over project proposals for consideration and joint implementation in the region to Yelena Kasko. They also signed a declaration of commitment to reach sustainable goal No. 10 — reduced inequalities. Campaign participants and visitors went on a tour of exhibitions and thematic events arranged to highlight inclusion and equality. Most of the events took place in the city’s ice arena.

The campaign Inclusive Belarus: Leaving No One Behind in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals began in Minsk on 24 October. The campaign is meant to raise awareness about discrimination, barriers and inequality, to fight stigmatization and stereotypes concerning the vulnerable population groups. The campaign will also offer a platform for a dialogue about equality, opportunities, and active participation of all people in the social, economic, and political life. The Inclusive Belarus campaign has been organized by the United Nations Organization and the Belarusian government in association with governmental and non-governmental organizations, representatives of the private sector and the international community.