On October 17-19, the XXV international women’s conference “East-West meets in St. Petersburg” was held in St. Petersburg with the support of the Government of St. Petersburg.
The conference became a platform for sharing best practices in the development of global and digital thinking, ideas, women entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, application of modern technologies, to create regional and international humanitarian and business contacts in order to implement the national strategy of actions in interests of women and Sustainable Development Goals.
According to the organizers, the conference was attended by women from 35 countries.
“The delegation from the Republic of Belarus consists of representatives of the most authoritative and mass women’s public organization of the country — the Belarusian Union of women – representing civil servants, business representatives, heads of organizations, youth leaders. And we look forward to new acquaintances and contacts in St. Petersburg”, Deputy Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, national coordinator on achieveing Sustainable Development Goals, Chairwoman of the Belarusian Union of women Marianna Shchetkina said in her speech.
She also stressed that modern women have incredible opportunities in politics, and research shows that women’s participation in governance is a stabilizing factor. At the same time, there are still few women in world politics, and further joint activities aimed at ensuring their rights are needed.
She cited statistics from UN women, which showed that in 18 countries husbands could physically prevent wives from working, 39 countries had no equal inheritance rights for daughters and sons, and 49 states had no laws protecting women from domestic violence.
“The gender policy of our country is based on universally recognized international norms, and the National strategy for sustainable socio-economic development until 2030 determines that the achievement of gender equality is one of the basic principles of sustainable development of the country”, Marianna Shchetkina said.
The national coordinator also suggested that more attention should be paid to the involvement of young people in gender equality issues at the international level.
“By Involving young people in the implementation of socio-economic and political tasks we contribute to their formation and development, ensure continuity in the policy and decision-making. Focusing on young women in this work, we create conditions for further promotion of the principles of equality in society” – summed up Marianna Shchetkina.
The round table “Potential and perspective directions of the development of the closed-cycle economy in Belarus” was held on October 18 in Minsk within the framework of the XX International Conference in the NIHEI of the Ministry of Economy with the support of the United Nations Development Programme in the Republic of Belarus and the Programme of Support to Belarus of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The participants were greeted by Yuri Adamovich Chebotar, Deputy Minister of Economy, Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Belarus and Astrid Zam, Executive Director of the Dortmund International Education Centre. The round table was attended by representatives of government agencies, NGOs and the business community. The round table discussed the possibilities and prospects of circular economy in Belarus, the experience of private companies in the field of waste management and the results of the project on green economy.
Closed-loop economy (circular economy) is the main component of sustainable development and green economy. In this paradigm, once created value is preserved in the economy for the longest possible period of time. The focus is on all phases of the product life cycle: product design, raw material extraction, production, marketing, use and waste management. The cycle can be closed at different levels: energy, raw materials, entire products, individual components. In the circular economy, the system of 5R principles is important: Reduce (consumption reduction), Reuse, Repair, Remanufacture, Recycle . The introduction of circular economy is an important contribution to Sustainable Development Goals 8 (decent work and economic growth), 9 (industrialization, innovation and infrastructure) and 12 (responsible consumption and production).
Olga Chabrovskaya, project manager of the EU-funded project “Involvement of the public in environmental monitoring and improvement of environmental management at the local level”, implemented by UNDP, presented to the participants of the round table the project “Support to the transition of the Republic of Belarus to a green economy”, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP. In total, more than 30 events took place within the framework of the project, including three eco-forums, which were attended by more than 4000 people. Based on the results of the project, a short film with subtitles in English and French was shot, at the BSEU green economy is being introduced into the educational process within the framework of the course “Management of the green development of the national economy”, three video clips on the green economy were recognized as social advertising, a free thematic game for smartphones was developed.
Irina Tochitskaya, scientific director of the IPM Research Center, and Nadezhda Batova, expert at BEROC, head of the Sector of Ecological and Economic Problems at the Institute of Economics of the National Academy of Sciences, presented the results of the BEROC Center for Economic Research within the framework of the project on circular economy. The Center conducted a survey among industrial, construction, agricultural enterprises and trade organizations. The issues of waste management were studied: annual volume of production waste generation and ways of its treatment at the enterprise; use of secondary raw materials; barriers for more complete use of waste at the enterprise. Recommendations on removal of barriers and promotion of circular economy were also given.
Anne Müller, researcher at the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, presented the results of the study of the current situation in the context of the development of circular economy on the example of the Brest region. Strengths and weaknesses, chances and risks of transition to circular economy were also analyzed.
The round table concluded with a discussion on the prospects for successful planning and implementation of circular economy in Belarus. The participants noted the importance of the absence of legislative barriers for the transition to the circular economy, as the concept of circular economy is enshrined in a number of national legal documents: the National Strategy for the management of secondary raw materials until 2035, NSSD-2035, NSSD-2030, Presidential Decree No. 313 (Directive No. 7). The key elements are a five-stage hierarchy of priorities in the field of waste management and the principle of extended producer responsibility. In order to implement the circular economy, it is necessary to provide knowledge and competence to administrative staff, focusing on the prevention of waste generation and not only on the optimization of waste management.
Olga Chabrovskaya, project manager of the EU-funded project “Involvement of the public in environmental monitoring and improvement of environmental management at the local level”, implemented by UNDP, presented to the participants of the round table the project “Support to the transition of the Republic of Belarus to a green economy“, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP. In total, more than 30 events took place within the framework of the project, including three eco-forums, which were attended by more than 4000 people. Based on the results of the project, a short film with subtitles in English and French was shot, at the BSEU green economy is being introduced into the educational process within the framework of the course “Management of the green development of the national economy”, three video clips on the green economy were recognized as social advertising, a free thematic game for smartphones was developed.
On 11 October 2019, Belarusian State Pedagogical University hosted the Festival of Innovative ESD Practices for all, which concluded the Decade of ESD for All, timed to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University and the 5th anniversary of the Association “Education for Sustainable Development”.
Participants of the Festival were educational institutions of various types, public organizations, commercial and non-commercial organizations, national government bodies, local executive and administrative bodies, as well as other organizers of educational services aimed at ensuring environmental integrity, economic sustainability, social well-being and human resource development of local communities and regions.
Marianna Schetkina, the National Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Goals, sent a welcoming speech to the participants of the Decade: “It has already become a tradition to hold the Decade “Education for Sustainable Development” in the Republic of Belarus. This is a platform for establishing productive contacts and exchange of experience designed to promote the introduction of new forms of educational process and integration of the Sustainable Development Goals into educational programs. The importance of this event cannot be overestimated. The events of the Decade, which brought together representatives of educational institutions, government agencies, public organizations and scientific communities, are aimed at demonstrating the Belarusian initiatives on sustainable development and discussing the prospects in this process. Knowledge is a key factor in ensuring the effectiveness of the economy and security of the country, which in turn contributes to improving the quality of life of all citizens of the Republic of Belarus. That is why it is so important today to popularize and spread the ideas of sustainable development among the pedagogical and scientific community, to provide qualitatively new approaches to the system of education of young people and the formation of educational institutions. Continuous education is one of the leading mechanisms in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It is an investment in the future of the country. A special role in the processes of sustainable development is played by young people. The country has established the institution of youth ambassadors. I am sure that young people’s initiatives will find their place in innovative educational practices in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Only together can we get closer to the universal principles of solving problems that face the world community and affect each of us”.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Alexander Kadlubai, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus, Ioanna Kazana-Wisniowiecki, the Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Republic of Belarus, Rashed Mustafa Sarvar, the Rector of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University named after Maxim Tank, Alexander Zhuk also made welcoming speeches. Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus, also sent a welcome address to the participants of the Festival.
The following events were held as part of the Festival:
– “Youth are the leading agents of change in achieving the SDGs and implementing the Road Map of the Republic of Belarus” (Deputy Minister of Education Alexander Kadlubai);
– “Global Agenda in the categories of sustainable and responsible development” (Chairman of the Permanent Commission of the Council of the Republic of Belarus for International Affairs and National Security Sergei Rakhmanov);
– “Development as a science. A new look” (Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in the Republic of Belarus, Alexandra Solovieva);
– “Sustainable development in their own hands: nature conservation practices accessible to everyone”, by Yegor Novikov, Head of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus;
– “Ecology and us: current challenges in the Republic of Belarus and in the world” (Director of the Centre for Environmental Solutions, Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Partner Group on environmental issues, Evgeny Lobanov);
– “From idea through business to stars!” (Chairman of the Coordination Board of the UN Global Compact Network in Belarus, Director of the “Kindness” Foundation, Head of the largest contest of social projects of Belarus Social Weekend, Coordinator of the Sustainable Development Partnership Group on interaction with business Alexander Skrabovskiy);
– “Education for all or towards the achievement of SDG 4 together: the German experience” (Head of the Representative Office of the German Association of Folk Universities DVV-International in the Republic of Belarus, Galina Veremejchik);
– “Practice of monitoring the achievement of the SDGs” (coordinator of the Monitoring and Evaluation area of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Belarus)
The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development for All (ESD for All) is a space for exchange of experience for organizers of continuing education practices and experts in ESD as a leading mechanism for promoting the values of the Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals among different groups of the country’s population. The Decade “ESD for All” is held in accordance with the Action Plan of the Council on Sustainable Development for 2019-2020 within the framework of the activities of the Sustainable Development Partner Group.
The contest “Family of the Year” is held in Belarus for the fourth time. An important goal of the competition is to promote the ideas of responsible parenthood, active life position and equal participation of both parents in the upbringing of their children, which contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (ensuring gender equality). Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a necessary foundation for achieving peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
Seven families, winners of the regional competitions, were the participants of the final. The final part of the competition included the following tasks: “Family Keeper”, in which families represented their own history, family customs and traditions; presentation of a socially significant project “My country is my family”, in which families represented an active lifestyle of family members, hobbies, successes and achievements.
The winners of the contest are the families with the highest total number of points according to the results of the contest events. They are awarded diplomas of the first, second and third degree and cash prizes. The family that received the diploma of the first degree is awarded the honorary title “Family of the Year”. The winner of this year’s competition was the Nikolaev family from Mogilev, which brings up five children.
The competition is organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection with the participation of the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Culture, the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, the Belarusian Women’s Union, regional and Minsk executive committees, national and international public associations and other organizations. The national competition “Family of the Year” was launched in 2012. The second national competition was held in 2014, the third in 2017.
On 11 October 2019, the Minsk Region Economic Forum “Minsk Region. Through investments, innovations and export – to sustainable development” under the leadership of Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, member of the Council on Sustainable Development Nikolai Rogashchuk.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Committee for Economy of the Regional Executive Committee, deputy chairmen of district executive committees, heads of enterprises of Minsk region, as well as the delegation of the regional executive committee and delegations from Russia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Moldova, Georgia and Tajikistan.
The Forum included presentations of investment projects and innovative projects being implemented, as well as planned to be implemented in the Minsk region in various areas of activity.
About 20 leading companies of the region from different spheres made presentations of their products: from cosmetics, medicines and milk production and meat to automotive and information technology.
Yevgeny Vasilyevich Buloichik, head of the main department of sports and tourism of the regional executive committee, presented the sports potential of the Minsk region. Deputy Chief Doctor of Uzden Central District Hospital Gavrusik Vladislav Zdislavovich presented the project “Medical and social rehabilitation center using innovative robotic equipment and virtual reality technology” to potential investors. The goal of the rehabilitation center is to improve the life quality of people with disabilities using innovative technologies. Implementation of this project will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 “Ensure a healthy lifestyle and promote well-being for everyone at any age.”
On October 9, a visiting meeting of the sectoral group on economic issues of the Gomel regional sustainable development group was held in Rogachev. The meeting presented the sustainable development strategy for the Gomel region and the possibility of its implementation at the local level, as well as mechanisms for public participation in achieving Sustainable Development Goals on the example of the Rogachev district.
The participants shared specific practices in achieving Sustainable Development Goals:
• experience in organizing a creative public space “Your bookshelf” in the city of Gomel;
• possibilities of organic farming in the post-Chernobyl territories;
• possibilities of self-employment for people with disabilities and the elderly;
• options for youth participation for sustainable development of the region.
These achievements were presented by representatives of the Gomel State F. Skorina University, Social Projects Public Association, Unity, Eco-Innovation local fund for entrepreneurship and rural development, the Gomel State Regional Palace of Children and Youth Creativity, Rogachev Territorial Center for Social Services, Rogachev Regional Organization of the Belarusian Union of Women. Representatives of local executive and administrative bodies and the interested public from Svetlogorsk, Zhlobinsky, Loyovsky, Buda-Koshelevsky, Chechersky, Kormyansky regions also attended the sectoral group meeting.
The Global Week to Act4SDGs in support of Sustainable Development Goals took place around the world on September 20-30, 2019. Belarus took part in the action:
– Braslaw gymnasium organized action “Together in a sustainable future!” telling about all the Sustainable Development Goals;
– Volkovysk gymnasium No. 2 organized an action “Clean Water – Clean Thoughts”. Participants cleaned the banks of the Volkovyya river, thus contributing to the cleaning of the world’s oceans and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 6;
– Gresk secondary school organized the meeting “The SDGs for each and everyone with the efforts of each and everyone”. The visitors learned about the SDGs in Belarus, took part in the workshop “Second Life of Paper” and the round table “Achieveing SDGs while lying on the couch ”;
– Borisov teenagers played the game Play Gogoal Game;
– in Slobodka the Creative Age festival dedicated to Goals 3, 4 and 8 was held.
Minsk was also full of events. The Pushkin library hosted the Forum “Creating Opportunities: Youth for Sustainable Development”. It was dedicated to the topics of volunteering, global citizenship, Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8. The SDGs day was held at the Belarusian State University of Economics and Secondary School No. 32. Among other events were screenings of the winners of SDGs in Action Film Festival and the ecological film festival “Everything is in your hands” .
You can learn about Act4SDGs actions that took place all over the world at act4sdgs.org.
For reference: The Global Week to Act4SDGs in support of the Sustainable Development Goals mobilizes people worldwide to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The purpose of the action is joint actions in support of active citizens around the world. The action was attended by over 50 million people in more than 1000 cities in 125 countries.
On October 9, a visiting meeting of the sectoral group on economic issues of the Gomel Regional Group on Sustainable Development was held in Rogachev. At the meeting, the strategy for sustainable development of the Gomel region and the possibilities of its implementation at the local level, as well as mechanisms of public participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals using the example of the Rogachevsky district, were presented.
The meeting participants shared specific practices in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals:
experience in creating a creative public space “Svaya Palichka” in Gomel;
the possibilities of organic farming in post-Chernobyl territories;
ways of self-employment of people with disabilities and older people;
options for youth participation for sustainable development of the region.
These developments were presented by representatives of the Gomel State University named after F. Skorina, the State Public Organization “Social Projects”, LLC “Unity”, the local fund for supporting entrepreneurship and rural development “Eco-Innovation”, the educational establishment “Gomel State Regional Palace of Creativity of Children and Youth”, the institution ” Rogachevsky territorial center for social services of the population” and Rogachevsky regional organization of the Belarusian Union of Women. The meeting of the sectoral group was also attended by representatives of local executive and administrative bodies and the interested public of Svetlogorsk, Zhlobin, Loyev, Buda-Koshelevsky, Chechersky, Kormyansky districts.
The draft Law of the Republic of Belarus “On the Protection and Use of Peat Bogs” was considered in first reading on October 2, 2019 at the seventh session of the House of Representatives of the Sixth National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus.
The adoption of the Law will contribute to the realization of citizens’ rights to a favorable environment, fulfillment of obligations under international treaties of the Republic of Belarus, as well as to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the field of conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems and rational use of natural resources, in particular, Sustainable Development Goal 15 – protection of terrestrial ecosystems .
The Law is aimed at comprehensive regulation at the legislative level of diverse public relations in the field of protection and use of peatlands that are in natural or near-natural state (marshes), as well as those that had been drained for various purposes.
The Law defines:
• competence of state bodies in the field of protection and use of peatlands;
• the procedure for developing a distribution scheme for peatlands in areas of use;
• the procedure for establishing the borders of peat bogs, issues of maintaining their records;
• regime for the protection and use of natural bogs, the procedure for managing them;
• requirements for the rational use of drained peat bogs in carrying out economic activities (agriculture, forestry, peat extraction, etc.);
• requirements for the protection and use of peatlands in plantation cultivation of plants, as well as in felling and mowing of bog vegetation in order to preserve natural bogs or obtain plant biomass;
• the procedure for ecological rehabilitation of peat bogs;
• issues of scientific support in the field of protection and use of peat bogs, their inventory, monitoring and other issues.
When preparing the draft Law, the provisions of the Strategy for the conservation and rational (sustainable) use of peat bogs, approved by the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated December 30, 2015 No. 1111, as well as the practice of applying existing legal norms in this area were taken into account.
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