MINSK, 19 August (BelTA) – The commitment to leave no one behind is at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the Belarusian National Assembly, the National Coordinator for the SDGs Anatoly Isachenko said as he opened the conference “Localization of the Sustainable Development Goals at the regional level”, BelTA has learned.
"At the heart of the global strategic plan is the meaningful motto 'Leave no one behind'. Guided by this principle, we work to involve all regions of Belarus in sustainble development. The approach to localizing the SDGs is strategic in nature and fully corresponds to one of the priorities developed at the sixth Belarusian People's Congress, namely strong regions," Anatoly Isachenko said.
The national coordinator stressed that Belarus applies a comprehensive approach towards the work to achieve the SDGs. "The achievements of each region make a significant contribution to the overall progress towards the SDGs. The Republic of Belarus has showed good results. The country's progress towards the SDGs is assessed by international experts at almost 79%. In the Human Development Index, Belarus ranks 53rd in the very high human development group. Belarus sits 24th among 165 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals independent ranking. Thanks to the head of state and the policy he pursues, Belarus looks good in many areas, including food, education, environment, energy, sanitation, industry,” he noted.
Anatoly Isachenko added, however, that Belarus' positive aspirations are countered by purposeful actions of a number of states. “The 2030 Agenda, which should not be mixed with politics, is exposed to negative external influence. Interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, and also political pressure and sanctions are contrary to both a number of international obligations and the provisions of the UN Charter. Despite this, we stay committed to constructive, truthful dialogue and respect for each other's positions,” he said.
“Belarus continues systematic implementation of the 2030 Agenda. In this matter, we proceed from the fact that the Sustainable Development Goals work for people. Mogilev Oblast is a flagship in the promotion of sustainable development ideas in Belarus. The first regional strategy for sustainable development through 2035 has been adopted there at the initiative of the Mogilev regional authorities. I believe all the regions of our country should follow suit,” he concluded.
