VITEBSK, 6 December (BelTA) - Vitebsk Oblast takes an active part in the programs of the UNDP, European organizations and funds, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Belarus Ekaterina Paniklova told reporters in Vitebsk which is hosting the Inclusive Belarus campaign.
“For us, Vitebsk is a special region. It is part of many projects on environmental protection, promotion of gender equality and other social issues. There are a lot of local initiatives: Vitebsk residents are renowned for innovations, dynamism in approaches. This year we launched a new project “Green Cities” which is funded by the Global Environment Facility. With the budget of $5 million, the project is designed to run for several years and will focus on Polotsk and Novopolotsk that were selected as pilot sites. Here we will create a sustainable transport management system using green technologies, which is in sync with the new green city requirements and standards,” Ekaterina Paniklova said.
Vitebsk Oblast and Mogilev Oblast are also implementing a project “Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases, Promoting Healthy Lifestyle and Support to Modernization of the Healthcare System in Belarus (BELMED)”. The project is funded by the European Union and is implemented by the UNDP, WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA in collaboration with the Healthcare Ministry of Belarus. As a result of the local initiatives competition, 9 mine-projects have been selected for grant support.
The campaign Inclusive Belarus: Leaving No One Behind in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals began in Minsk on 24 October. 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. It is a continuation of the Express UN 70 initiative in Belarus towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It is focused on goal No. 10 reduced inequalities.
