MINSK, 15 October (BelTA) – Sanctions undermine not only sustainable development, but also international peace and security, Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Affairs of the House of Representatives of the Belarusian Parliament Sergei Rachkov said during a debate at the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva on 15 October, BelTA has learned.
The plenary session featured the topic of harnessing science, technology and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.
According to Sergei Rachkov, this issue is particularly topical. "A few decades ago it was difficult to imagine that humanity would be so heavily dependent on advanced technologies and innovations, which, apart from the obvious advantages, would give rise to a whole set of geopolitical risks. Undoubtedly, scientific achievements should be used to ensure sustainable development and strengthen cooperation between countries. The harnessing of science, technology and innovation should be fair and not pose a threat to international peace and security. The possibility of using scientific advances should be available to all states, especially developing ones. International programs aimed at supporting scientific research and the development of sustainable technologies contribute to the fulfillment of these goals," he said.
Sergei Rachkov noted that technology exchange should be mutually beneficial for technology recipient and donor. "The vulnerabilities of developing countries should not be used by donors when concluding contracts and international agreements that involve the transfer or development of technology. In fact, due to unequal access to innovation, the gap between developed powers and outsider countries is rapidly widening," he emphasized.
Access to peaceful and responsible use of technology should not be blocked using far-fetched, discriminatory motives. "The issue of unilateral coercive measures, which contradict the UN Charter and significantly limit global cooperation, is especially relevant nowadays. Belarus is experiencing such illegal impact. We call on states to avoid such unilateral measures, which undermine not only sustainable development, but also international peace and security. We welcome the responsible conclusion and implementation of long-term agreements on the protection and promotion of investments in developing countries with clearly defined and effective guarantees for investors for the sake of technological development and successful increasing involvement of these countries in the world economy," Sergei Rachkov added.
The plenary session featured the topic of harnessing science, technology and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future.
According to Sergei Rachkov, this issue is particularly topical. "A few decades ago it was difficult to imagine that humanity would be so heavily dependent on advanced technologies and innovations, which, apart from the obvious advantages, would give rise to a whole set of geopolitical risks. Undoubtedly, scientific achievements should be used to ensure sustainable development and strengthen cooperation between countries. The harnessing of science, technology and innovation should be fair and not pose a threat to international peace and security. The possibility of using scientific advances should be available to all states, especially developing ones. International programs aimed at supporting scientific research and the development of sustainable technologies contribute to the fulfillment of these goals," he said.
Sergei Rachkov noted that technology exchange should be mutually beneficial for technology recipient and donor. "The vulnerabilities of developing countries should not be used by donors when concluding contracts and international agreements that involve the transfer or development of technology. In fact, due to unequal access to innovation, the gap between developed powers and outsider countries is rapidly widening," he emphasized.
Access to peaceful and responsible use of technology should not be blocked using far-fetched, discriminatory motives. "The issue of unilateral coercive measures, which contradict the UN Charter and significantly limit global cooperation, is especially relevant nowadays. Belarus is experiencing such illegal impact. We call on states to avoid such unilateral measures, which undermine not only sustainable development, but also international peace and security. We welcome the responsible conclusion and implementation of long-term agreements on the protection and promotion of investments in developing countries with clearly defined and effective guarantees for investors for the sake of technological development and successful increasing involvement of these countries in the world economy," Sergei Rachkov added.
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