MINSK, 21 October (BelTA) – Many Western countries have embarked on a rampant arms race while curtailing social programs, Sergei Aleinik, Chairman of the International Affairs and National Security Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, said as he addressed the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian representative spoke at the meeting of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development debating a resolution on “Building a fair and sustainable global economy: The role of parliaments in combating protectionism, reducing tariffs and preventing corporate tax evasion”. Sergei Aleinik highlighted that currently, over 800 million people live in extreme poverty, billions lack access to water and housing, and conflicts claim millions of lives.
"We are witnessing the fragmentation of the global economy, caused by the destructive policies and unilateral coercive measures of certain Western countries and the European Union,” Sergei Aleinik said. “Illegal sanctions used as a tool of political coercion, trade and currency wars, protectionism, restrictions on access to innovation and investment, visa restrictions, unilateral border closures, and air blockades are hindering the global potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He further added: “Against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine, many Western countries have embarked on a relentless arms race, curtailing social programs and inflicting irreparable damage on the social and economic rights of their citizens. Some countries are already witnessing irreversible deindustrialization processes, leading to bankruptcies and a rise in unemployment among their populations.”
Sergei Aleinik pointed out that the global situation is further complicated by risks to global food security and the disruption of international logistics and production chains, which, again, stem more from illegal sanctions than from climate change or other factors.
“Despite challenging external factors, Belarus remains firmly committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Our country's efforts have been highly recognized. According to the 2025 report, Belarus ranks 32nd among 167 states in the SDG Achievement Index. Our current SDG indicators have reached nearly 80%. This is the result of the long-term wise policy by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko that has been socially oriented from the very beginning.”He emphasized that parliaments play a crucial role in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by shaping fair policies and sustainable strategies through legislation.
“We, MPs, can and must fundamentally oppose politicized approaches that hinder progress toward achieving the SDGs. We must unite our efforts to build a just and sustainable global economy,” Sergei Aleinik said.
The Belarusian representative spoke at the meeting of the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development debating a resolution on “Building a fair and sustainable global economy: The role of parliaments in combating protectionism, reducing tariffs and preventing corporate tax evasion”. Sergei Aleinik highlighted that currently, over 800 million people live in extreme poverty, billions lack access to water and housing, and conflicts claim millions of lives.
"We are witnessing the fragmentation of the global economy, caused by the destructive policies and unilateral coercive measures of certain Western countries and the European Union,” Sergei Aleinik said. “Illegal sanctions used as a tool of political coercion, trade and currency wars, protectionism, restrictions on access to innovation and investment, visa restrictions, unilateral border closures, and air blockades are hindering the global potential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He further added: “Against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine, many Western countries have embarked on a relentless arms race, curtailing social programs and inflicting irreparable damage on the social and economic rights of their citizens. Some countries are already witnessing irreversible deindustrialization processes, leading to bankruptcies and a rise in unemployment among their populations.”
Sergei Aleinik pointed out that the global situation is further complicated by risks to global food security and the disruption of international logistics and production chains, which, again, stem more from illegal sanctions than from climate change or other factors.
“Despite challenging external factors, Belarus remains firmly committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Our country's efforts have been highly recognized. According to the 2025 report, Belarus ranks 32nd among 167 states in the SDG Achievement Index. Our current SDG indicators have reached nearly 80%. This is the result of the long-term wise policy by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko that has been socially oriented from the very beginning.”He emphasized that parliaments play a crucial role in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by shaping fair policies and sustainable strategies through legislation.
“We, MPs, can and must fundamentally oppose politicized approaches that hinder progress toward achieving the SDGs. We must unite our efforts to build a just and sustainable global economy,” Sergei Aleinik said.
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