MINSK, 3 March (BelTA) – Belarus' work towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was discussed as part of a panel discussion with the participation of Belarus' Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei on 2 March, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The event was also attended by Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic Anatoly Isachenko, who was appointed the National Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals on 13 February, and Marianna Shchetkina, who previously held the position, as well as UN Resident Coordinator in Belarus Joanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki, the heads of representative offices of the United Nations Development Program, the UN Children's Fund and the UN Population Fund in Belarus.
The parties discussed the prospects of joint activities of national and foreign partners in the context of the efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They also talked over the issues related to the coordination of national efforts, international cooperation, development of program documents on sustainable development jointly with the UN.
The minister of foreign affairs congratulated Anatoly Isachenko on his appointment and stressed the importance of maintaining continuity in the work on achieving the SDGs at the national level. In his words, vesting a high-level parliamentarian with the functions of national coordinator helped expanding the circle of participants in the interaction on sustainable development. Vladimir Makei assured the new national coordinator of the readiness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide him with necessary assistance. The minister also presented Marianna Shchetkina with the Partnership badge of the diplomatic service bodies for ensuring systematic work in the field of sustainable development, contribution to international cooperation and strengthening the positive image of Belarus in the international arena.
In 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and 17 Sustainable Development Goals included in it. They are aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, fighting inequality and injustice, and addressing climate change. The 2030 Agenda is a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of human life, development and consumption without compromising future generations. All 17 goals are being adapted for Belarus as well. The national coordinator for SDGs, the Council for Sustainable Development (which includes representatives of all government agencies), partner and other groups, civil society and international organizations are working on them. All their proposals will be reflected in the National Sustainable Development Strategy for the period until 2035. Program documents, legislative acts will also be based on the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Photos courtesy of Belarus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs
