On June 2nd, Sergei Aleinik, the Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic and the National Co-ordinator for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), met with Rasul Baghirov, the UN Resident Co-ordinator in Belarus. This was their first meeting in this format since Mr. Aleinik’s appointment as National Co-ordinator for Achieving the SDGs, sb.by reports.
The parties discussed current and future co-operation between Belarus and the UN Country Team. After the meeting, Mr. Aleinik shared details with reporters, “We synchronised our efforts and exchanged views on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and our co-operation. The entire UN Country Team is working constructively with us to address the challenging tasks involved in achieving the SDGs. So far, we have accomplished over 82 percent of the SDGs, and we aim to fully achieve these goals by 2030. Of course, we do not intend to stop at what has already been done.”
The discussion also covered the UN-Belarus Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework Programme until 2030.
“This programme is closely connected to our internal documents — the National Sustainable Development Strategy of Belarus until 2040 and the Main Directions of Belarus’ Socio-Economic Development Programme until 2030, which were adopted at the Belarusian People’s Congress,” the Senator said. “During the meeting, the socially focused nature of the government’s tasks within this programme and in achieving the SDGs was highlighted. We agreed to continue working together.”
The two sides also addressed regional development issues in Belarus. Mr. Aleinik noted this as a key area of interaction, saying, “In the past year and a half, events related to the SDG implementation have taken place in every region. This work will continue.”
Mr. Baghirov emphasised the full mutual understanding in their joint efforts and added that the main priorities until the end of the year will be regional development projects, family support, and socially responsible business.
