MINSK, 27 May (BelTA) – Implementation of joint projects and prospects for cooperation between Belarus and the UN were in focus of a video conference featuring Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic, National Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals Anatoly Isachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus Joanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki and members of the UN mission to Belarus on 27 May, BelTA learned from the press service of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus.
Belarus in partnership with the UN agencies has set up an efficient national architecture for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and organized important international and national events. UN experts and the sustainable development council, the parliamentary and partnership groups on the SDGs helped draft Belarus' national sustainable development strategy through 2035. “The strategy has already been drawn up, but in view of the current global challenges, we will need to finalize some points,” Anatoly Isachenko stressed.
The video conference also focused on the new joint project to support Belarus' efforts to nationalize and localize the SDGs. “It is important that this project will be aimed at fulfilling important tasks: supporting the national system for achieving SDGs, organizing work to collect and analyze statistical data and will take into account regional aspects,” Anatoly Isachenko said.
The parties took stock of Belarus-UN cooperation in achieving the SGDs. “We value our cooperation and are grateful for the projects that help Belarus achieve the SDGs,” he noted.
Joanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki pointed out that joint Belarus-UN projects are a unique example of cooperation in supporting architecture for achieving the SDGs at the national level. “We are keen to continue working together,” she said.
For her part, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Alexandra Solovieva added that the new project to be launched in cooperation with Belarus will meet the needs that have arisen in the wake of the current epidemiological situation. “The UNDP is raising additional funds to respond to the pandemic and is working with several Belarusian ministries. We are taking measures to deal with social and economic impact of the epidemiological situation, involve new technologies, develop volunteer movement, work with the Belarusian Red Cross Society and our partners, including from Russia,” the noted.
Alexandra Solovieva observed that Belarus' results in achieving the SDGs are noticeable and meaningful, they are commended by the international community.
