At first session of UN intergovernmental negotiations in New York, Belarus presents guidelines for negotiating post-2015 development.
Speaking at the UN session, Belarus’ Deputy Foreign Minister, Valentin Rybakov (heading our delegation) outlined the need to take into account the interests and potential of middle-income countries. He also highlighted the importance of the UN’s full-frontal approach to energy issues, and the necessity of setting up a mechanism to provide access to progressive technology. Mr. Rybakov added that Belarus proposes connecting the issues of sustainable development and climate change by encouraging countries to reduce hazardous emissions, yet without affecting their development.
The Foreign Ministry’s Press Service states that Belarus will continue participating in intergovernmental negotiations, preparing for the UN summit.
While in New York, Mr. Rybakov met the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Wu Hongbo, telling him about Belarus’ priorities in preparing for the UN summit, scheduled for September 2015. Mr. Rybakov noted Belarus’ intention to host a regional conference on inclusive and sustainable industrial development among middle-income countries, in co-operation with UNIDO, in April 2015. Moreover, he invited UN representatives to take part in preparing for and organising the event.
By Vladimir Dovlatov
