Minsk is expected to play host to the Sustainable Development Goals Forum for the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2020, Vice Speaker of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, National Coordinator for SDGs Marianna Shchetkina said at the opening of the UNDP national strategic consultations on 25 September, BelTA has learned.
“We held the first regional forum of national coordinators for SDGs, the first national forum for sustainable development. We do not rest on our laurels. We have suggested Minsk and its services to organize a big SDGs forum for the EAEU region in H1 2020. We have already received confirmation,” Marianna Shchetkina said.
As for the UNDP national strategic consultations, their aim is to develop key areas of joint activities of UNDP and national partners, taking into account the development priorities of Belarus in order to include them in the UNDP country program for 2021-2025.
According to the national coordinator of the SDGs, it is important that the new country program take into account people's opinions. “Proposals from regions, districts, people, and social groups must be included in the program. We should not stay passive. Together we should actively discuss, propose and search for rational strategies that will bring our country to a new high level of development,” Marianna Shchetkina said.
A high level of social development includes achievements across three components: environment, society, and economy. These are digitalization, economic development, environmental security, youth policy, family support, inclusion, gender equality and other areas. “The level of people's wellbeing should be improving,” Marianna Shchetkina said.
In 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 70/1 “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) and 17 Sustainable Development Goals included in it. They are aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, combating inequality and injustice, and addressing climate change. The Agenda 2030 is a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of human life, development and consumption without compromising future generations. All 17 goals are also being adapted for Belarus. This is an area of responsibility of by the national coordinator of the SDGs, the Council on Sustainable Development (which includes representatives of all government agencies), partner and other groups, civil society and international organizations. All their proposals will be reflected in the National Strategy for Sustainable Development through 2035. Program documents and legislative acts will also be based on the goals of the Agenda 2030.
