MINSK, 25 October (BelTA) – Innovative approaches are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), United Nations Resident Coordinator in Belarus Sanaka Samarasinha said when speaking at the UN Day event in the Small Hall of the Palace of the Republic on 24 October, BelTA has learned.
“We need to find innovative approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals so that everyone is engaged in this important mission,” said Sanaka Samarasinha. “Sustainable peace and security are impossible without development. There can be no sustainable development without peace and security. If development is not inclusive, it is unsustainable,” he noted.
Sanaka Samarasinha said that the Inclusive Belarus campaign was launched in Minsk on 24 October. It is aimed at raising the public awareness about barriers and inequalities, combating the stigmatization of vulnerable groups. Its launch ceremony was attended by representatives of government bodies, public associations, the private sector, international partners and the UN country team in Belarus. Sanaka Samarasinha expressed the hope that Inclusive Belarus will leave no one indifferent.
The Palace of Republic hosts an exhibition of the UN agencies in Belarus about the main areas of their activities and the most interesting and important projects.
The UN Day event proceeded with an inclusive concert featuring representatives of vulnerable groups, the UN Goodwill Ambassadors, popular artists and groups. The audience watched a video message on equal opportunities for people with disabilities from UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Darya Domracheva, a message on the inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS from UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Svetlana Borovskaya, a message on refugees from UNCHR Goodwill Ambassador Iskui Abalyan. Famous Belarusian gymnast Melitina Staniouta performed a routine symbolizing the language that unites different people. The inclusive concert rounded up with a performance by children's choir of the QSI international school led by artistic director Olga Peregod.
The performances were accompanied by the Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus.
