On October 28, 2024, the online platform “People’s Five-Year Plan” was launched in Belarus.
The platform does not apply to citizens’ appeals. It is for collecting proposals and expectations from residents of Belarus for 2025-2030 in key areas of society development (economics, agriculture, education, health care, business initiative, innovation, etc.). The platform supports any device and does not impose any restrictions for users. Participation is anonymous.
To date, the online platform has already been visited by about a thousand Belarusians, and more than 320 specific proposals have been received. The most popular topics – education, agriculture, healthcare and small towns.
The most thoughtful ideas will be taken into account in the Program of Social and Economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2025-2030, as well as in preparing the agenda of the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly.
SDG 5 Youth Ambassador, a student of the Law Faculty of the Belarusian State University Karolina Lapunova spoke about the main achievements in the field of gender equality that Belarus can be proud of today, as well as about measures to raise awareness of gender equality among young people.
How did you find out about the SDG Youth Ambassadors?
I became acquainted with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda when I was at school in the process of preparing for the national stage of the Olympiad in the academic subject “Social Science” – I was very interested in this subject. As a first-year student of the Law Faculty of the Belarusian State University, I found out about the activities of the Youth Ambassadors of the Sustainable Development Goals. The position was very appealing to me, so in my second year of university I became a Sustainable Development Goals volunteer.
What inspired you to become the SDG Youth Ambassador and why is gender equality your main Goal?
I am by nature motivated by people who are passionate about their work, transforming our world for the better. The SDG Youth Ambassadors are as such. The sparkle in their eyes, resilience, competence, incredible energy, and desire to make the world a better place played a significant role in the decision to become theSDG Youth Ambassador. “Think globally, act locally” is not just a slogan, but a lasting credo in the life of every ambassador of all four convocations.
For me, a very important component of the “sustainability” position is the principle of gender equality as equality between women and men, which makes the concept of sustainable development more holistic, practical and effective in addressing global challenges and building a better future. One of the key principles for the proper functioning of modern society is gender equality. The widespread involvement of women in the economic, political, social and cultural spheres is an enduring basis for multiplying the capital of the state, as well as improving the level and quality of life of the population. Gender equality strengthens social stability and harmony in society by creating conditions for respect and tolerance. Gender equality is fundamental in building a sustainable future.
What do you think are the main achievements in the field of gender equality that Belarus can be proud of today?
1. A high level of women’s representation in the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus – in the House of Representatives of the eighth convocation, women account for 33.6% of the total number of deputies.
2. The Republic of Belarus is implementing a strategic document in the context of achieving gender equality – the National Action Plan on Gender Equality until 2025.
3. According to the Gender Gap Index published in the report of the World Economic Forum, the Republic of Belarus ranks 41st in the world in 2023. Belarus is a leader in achieving gender equality in the CIS region, based on international ranking data.
4. The celebration of Father’s Day is also an important achievement for gender equality in Belarus, emphasizing the importance of men in raising children and building strong families on an equal terms with women.
What measures do you think need to be taken to raise awareness of gender equality among young people?
Raising awareness of gender equality is a process that requires a concerted effort from all sides of society. Gender equality is not just a buzzword, but a fundamental principle that guarantees justice, equal opportunities and a sustainable future for all. Speaking of measures, I would like to emphasize the following postulates:
Can you tell us about your initiative or project that promoted gender equality?
I study the topic of gender equality on an academic level. Since my first year of university, gender politics has been an area of academic interest. During my studies at the university this subject was presented by me at various circles, seminars, conferences. I also conduct trainings on SDG 5, as quality non-formal education plays an essential role in the context of achieving gender equality as equality of women and men in all sectors of our life.
How do you assess the impact of education on gender equality issues? What changes in the educational system would help with this?
Primary socialization agents: family and school play a special role in the formation of a sustainable culture, a culture of thinking against stereotypes among children and young people. Education is essential. Quality education underpins the process of building values, knowledge and skills that enable people to recognize gender stereotypes, challenge discrimination and build more equitable societies.
To achieve SDG 5, widespread popularization of the idea of gender equality, it is important to work comprehensively with all segments of the population: educational seminars and trainings; participation in discussions and group sessions on gender equality. It is the education system that should play a significant role in these activities.
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Source of information
From October 30 to November 11, 2024, the Department of Energy Efficiency of the Republic of Belarus is holding the Republican information and educational campaign “Belarus – an energy-efficient country”. The campaign is timed to coincide with the World Energy Saving Day (November 11).
The aim of the campaign is to raise public awareness of the importance of efficient use of energy resources, possible ways and methods of saving them, including in everyday life.
The program of the campaign includes a number of events to popularize an energy- and resource-saving lifestyle. The events include: round tables, training seminars, open lessons, information hours, intellectual games, competitions, quizzes, hotlines, press events, etc.
Information materials on energy saving are posted on the website of the Department of Energy Efficiency, as well as on the official YouTube channel of the Department.
The information and educational campaign “Belarus – an energy-efficient country” contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12 and the other SDGs by the Republic of Belarus.
On October 25, an online seminar was held on the calculation of reporting indicators for SDGs 8.4.1/12.2.1 “Total resource use and resource use per capita and as a percentage of GDP” and 8.4.2/12.2.2 “Total domestic material consumption and domestic material consumption per capita and as a percentage of GDP”.
These indicators are important to have a comprehensive understanding of the volumes of resources (biomass, metal ores, non-metallic minerals, fossil fuels) that are removed from the natural environment, entered into the economy and consumed. To calculate them, UNEP has developed a global methodology, and the seminar participants discussed how it can be adapted to the conditions of the Republic of Belarus and applied for SDG reporting purposes.
The seminar was attended by representatives of Belstat, UNDP, UNEP, and international experts – a total of 19 participants, including 13 women and 6 men.
By the end of 2024, it is planned to develop a pilot national methodology for calculating reporting indicators for SDGs 8.4.1/12.2.1 and 8.4.2/12.2.2 – this will be one of the first national methodologies in the world for these indicators.
The online seminar was organized with the support of UNDP within the framework of the Project “Support to the Efforts of the Republic of Belarus in Nationalization and Localization of SDGs”, funded by the Russian Federation.
By the Resolution No. 787 of the Council of Ministers of October 23, 2024, a scheme for the rational placement of specially protected natural areas of national significance was approved until January 1, 2035.
The document defines measures for the development of a system of specially protected natural areas (SPNA) of national significance, the timeframe for carrying out these measures, as well as the planned area of SPNA as of January 1, 2035, which will be 1.5 million hectares.
The approval of a scheme for the rational placement of specially protected natural areas of national significance by January 1, 2035 is aimed at maintaining a favorable environmental situation in the country, preserving rare species of flora and fauna, and forming an optimal system of protected areas.
The development of a system of specially protected natural areas contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 13, 15 and the other SDGs by the Republic of Belarus.
In Belarus, every year more and more attention is paid to the topic of population aging and their active inclusion in the life of society.
As of January 1, 2024, the number of citizens who have reached retirement age was 2.2 million people, of which more than 1.5 million people are over 65 years old, which is 17% of the total population, and in 2030, the share of the population 65+ is expected to reach 21%.
At the same time, 21.5% of pensioners continue to work and this figure increases annually. Thus, if in 2021 the number of working pensioners was 380 thousand people, then in 2024 – 445 thousand people.
In this regard, Belarus is implementing a policy of socialization of elderly people, maintaining their health, providing opportunities for self-realization, including in the labor market.
The state is implementing measures to assist older people in finding employment. In 2024, 90 “silver” job fairs have already held. In addition, new initiatives aimed at developing the silver economy in the country and improving the quality of life of the elderly are planned to be developed within the framework of the Advisory Council on Active and Healthy Longevity, created under the House of Representatives.
As for health, one of the key tasks in Belarus is to increase the life expectancy of men – in our country it is approximately 10 years lower than that of women, who live on average about 78 years. Thus, in 2023, the Labor Code was supplemented with a new article establishing guarantees for employees when they undergo medical examinations in healthcare organizations.
The creation of conditions for the employment of persons of retirement age and their equal participation in the life of society contributes to the achievement by the Republic of Belarus of the Sustainable Development Goals 8, 10 and the other SDGs.
On October 15-17, 2024, the UNECE Seminar and Expert Meeting on SDG Statistics is being held in Tirana (Republic of Albania).
During the Seminar on lessons learned from presenting statistical data on the SDGs, First Deputy Chairperson of the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus Elena Kukharevich presented the experience of the Republic of Belarus in building an effective system for monitoring the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
She noted that the legislation updated in 2023 expanded the capabilities of state statistics agencies in obtaining data from state information systems and resources, including through remote access. Elena Kukharevich also reported that work is currently underway in Belarus to develop new and modernize existing information systems, which will make it possible to reuse data already collected in the country.“By using the provided tools, Belstat ensures the necessary data disaggregation and eliminates existing gaps. Thus, more than 40% of the indicators of the national list of the SDGs are calculated using administrative data, which significantly reduces the burden on respondents and data providers and allows saving money on obtaining the necessary information. At the same time, the widespread use of administrative data in the process of monitoring the SDGs requires monitoring their quality and assessing the reliability of the sources of such data”, – informed the First Deputy Chairperson.
In addition, Elena Kukharevich noted the successful experience of Belstat in working with non-traditional data sources to track the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. She reported that today 10 SDG indicators in the national list are calculated using spatial data, and for some indicators such sources have become the only way to obtain information.
“By successfully fulfilling the role of data curator, Belstat ensured that 70% of the indicators of the national list, calculated both directly by Belstat and by other government agencies responsible for the implementation of the SDGs, comply with the international methodology”, – summed up Elena Kukharevich.
Support for the participation of the Belarusian delegation in the UNECE Seminar and Expert Meeting on SDG Statistics was provided by UNDP within the framework of the Joint Project “Support to the Efforts of the Republic of Belarus in Nationalization and Localization of SDGs” funded by the Government of the Russian Federation.
Providing reliable and timely statistical information makes an important contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Egor Tsibulsky, SDG 11 Youth Ambassador, a student of A.S. Pushkin Brest State University, spoke about how to combine student and community life, as well as about his activities as a SDG Youth Ambassador.
How did you learn about the activities of the SDG Youth Ambassadors?
I have heard about the activities of SDG Youth Ambassadors on the Internet, but I learned more in detail at the II International SDG Youth Forum of the CIS countries when I met the SDG Youth Ambassadors of the 3rd convocation. Thus, Artem Kasteley, SDG 12 Youth Ambassador of the 3rd Convocation, spoke about the activities of Ambassadors and the opportunity to bring this to the masses. Now he and I are colleagues, albeit in different convocations.
Why did you decide to become the SDG Youth Ambassador and choose this particular Goal?
I decided to become a Youth Ambassador because I realized the importance of promoting the SDGs among young people, and I chose SDG 11 because it resonates with my specialty “Urbanology and City Management”. Improving urban life is in it’s priority, because every city should be developed, comfortable and environmentally friendly!
What are the most pressing issues within your topic?
Goal 11 includes 10 objectives, but I would say it goes beyond that, because human settlements have all the components of our lives, it’s partnerships, industry with innovation, and of course clean water and sanitation. Without all these elements, cities will not exist, nor will people themselves, so only the integrated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals will make a significant contribution to the preservation of our planet. Of course, we can highlight acute problems, such as the growth of motorization, the relative reduction of green spaces (although the actual value is increasing), the deterioration of the condition of ICC in small settlements, insufficient asphalting in some areas, but everything is gradually being solved. I think in time, though not by 2030, SDG 11 will be fully achieved.
What organizations are you partnering with to achieve the Goal?
To achieve the Goal, I cooperate first of all with organizations of the education system, in order to promote it among young people, these are both secondary schools and universities. First of all, in the Brest region, where I live, because SDG 11 itself implies interaction with the city administration, which is successfully implemented in the city of Brest and Zhabinka, where I live. Of course, communication between all committees entails establishing a sustainable system, so I believe I can organize interaction with more cities!
How can you evaluate the development of the regions?
The development of regions has its own specifics, each is set up for its own priority tasks, somewhere agriculture prevails, somewhere industry, that creates its own vectors of development. Also, each region has its own cultural characteristics. Undoubtedly, the leader in economic development is Minsk, more and more people aspire to it, this creates difficulties for small settlements, which also need labor resources. Therefore, I would praise big cities, they have very good prospects, in particular Minsk, Grodno, Brest, and a significant decline in the attractiveness of small towns among the population. Such towns can be developed more as tourist towns, e.g. Mosty, Kossovo, Dysna, Miory, Braslav.
What infrastructure projects do you see as the most promising?
Regarding documentary projects, I would include “Belarus Hospitable” for 2021-2025, which has a subprogram “Development of Tourism Industry Facilities”, because Belarus has a large tourist base and potential, which can attract money flows from other countries. Also, the National Infrastructure Plan of the Republic of Belarus for 2021-2025, which includes 1251 projects on different sections of infrastructure. A scalable and comprehensive plan will help make our saturated areas a better place to live!
How can you describe your personal contribution to the Goal?
First of all, by the fact that a few months ago I became a deputy of the Zhabinka District Council of Deputies, with the aim of improving the life of the district and involvement in the life of the neighborhood! It was the slogan “For a sustainable future” that came out in my election campaign, as a result, I won. Also, I am engaged in scientific activity, development of ecotourism, tourism of impression, so projects are presented at scientific conferences, festivals, forums, for example, participating in the forum on sustainable development of CIS countries, we developed projects aimed at the interaction of several countries at once. Definitely still using eco habits in my life, using a shopper, sorting trash, using reusable containers, saving electricity and water.
In the modern world, due to the concentration of industrial and transport facilities in cities, the degree of man-made load on people and ecosystems is high. Considering that more than 72% of the population of Belarus lives in cities and urban-type settlements, landscaping of territories is becoming an integral part of their development strategy and urban planning.
In Belarus, the standard for greening of populated areas is set at 40%, and has been growing for the past three years. Thus, in Brest it is 45.7%, in Vitebsk – 49.1%, in Gomel – 42.5%, in Grodno – 41.8%, in Mogilev – 44.3%, in Minsk – 42.1%.
Thus, as part of the implementation of the Republican plan of measures to restore order on the land in January-August 2024, more than 200 thousand trees and 299 thousand shrubs were planted, with a plan of 83 thousand and 94 thousand, respectively. Including about 14 thousand trees and 35 thousand bushes planted along republican highways, 4 thousand trees and about 2 thousand bushes along local roads.
Detailed information about events and information campaigns for further greening of Belarus is presented within the framework of the press conference “Greening of Belarus: the ecological potential of urban landscapes and roadside objects”.
The organization of an ecologically sound and socially balanced structure of the landscape and recreational complex is one of the leading tasks of sustainable nature management and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 11, 13, 15 and the other SDGs by the Republic of Belarus.
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