Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MINSK, 11 February (BelTA) – Belarus calls on the international community to abandon discriminatory measures that undermine global food security, Deputy Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN Pavel Yevseyenko said at the 63rd session of the Commission for Social Development, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The diplomat emphasized that over the past ten years, Belarus has achieved significant progress in improving its social safety net. Belarus’ Human Development Index stands at 0.808, thus, Belarus belongs to the group of states with a very high level of human development.
“Government spending on social security programs consistently exceeds 12% of GDP, and the unemployment rate remains one of the lowest in the region - 3.7%. Social security is high on the agenda of Belarus’ national policy. The national security concept defines it as the protection of an individual, society and the state from social threats; protection of life, health, well-being of people, and the spiritual and moral values,” said Pavel Yevseyenko.
The diplomat emphasized that over the past ten years, Belarus has achieved significant progress in improving its social safety net. Belarus’ Human Development Index stands at 0.808, thus, Belarus belongs to the group of states with a very high level of human development.
“Government spending on social security programs consistently exceeds 12% of GDP, and the unemployment rate remains one of the lowest in the region - 3.7%. Social security is high on the agenda of Belarus’ national policy. The national security concept defines it as the protection of an individual, society and the state from social threats; protection of life, health, well-being of people, and the spiritual and moral values,” said Pavel Yevseyenko.
He went on saying: “Belarus consistently demonstrates a high level of social security. Effective institutions of social support have been created in Belarus; the economic system has been optimized to help achieve a high level of human development. Belarus was able to achieve Millennium Development Goal 1 “Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger” ahead of schedule, and today it continues to implement large-scale initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and improving the quality of life of people,” the Belarusian diplomat emphasized.
“The fundamental element of the social security network is providing support for families. Families with children are entitled to comprehensive support: free healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth, a three-year parental leave, multiple benefits and a family capital program. In 2024 alone, more than 150,000 families received financial support under the family capital program. We pay special attention to promoting the value of marriage among young people, responsible parenthood and equal participation of both parents in raising children,” the diplomat emphasized.
He also noted that today sustainable economic growth is impossible without fair international cooperation. “However, we see a surge in global challenges like geopolitical instability, the use of economic sanctions, and growing inequality between countries. We consistently advocate inclusiveness, equal cooperation and mutual respect as core principles of a world order,” said Pavel Yevseyenko.
“We call on the international community to abandon discriminatory measures that undermine social stability, food security and sustainable development in the world. In order to strengthen social cohesion and achieve global justice, it is necessary to expand cooperation, drop sanctions, transfer technologies and share knowledge for development. Belarus remains open to mutually beneficial partnerships and is committed to solidarity within the country and in the international arena,” the diplomat added.
He also noted that today sustainable economic growth is impossible without fair international cooperation. “However, we see a surge in global challenges like geopolitical instability, the use of economic sanctions, and growing inequality between countries. We consistently advocate inclusiveness, equal cooperation and mutual respect as core principles of a world order,” said Pavel Yevseyenko.
“We call on the international community to abandon discriminatory measures that undermine social stability, food security and sustainable development in the world. In order to strengthen social cohesion and achieve global justice, it is necessary to expand cooperation, drop sanctions, transfer technologies and share knowledge for development. Belarus remains open to mutually beneficial partnerships and is committed to solidarity within the country and in the international arena,” the diplomat added.