8 December 2025
On December 8, 2025, the meeting of the Council for Sustainable Development (CSD) was held in Minsk.
The meeting discussed key areas of sustainable development of the Republic of Belarus, the country’s progress in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement, strategic planning for sustainable development, in particular, the development and approval of the Program for Socio-economic Development until 2030 and regional sustainable development strategies until 2040.
Separate blocks of discussions were devoted to the UN agencies contribution and areas for further cooperation for 2026-2030, the passage of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the human rights by the Republic of Belarus, the development of the National report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the work results of the national mechanism for achieving the SDGs in 2025 and work plans for 2026.
The meeting of the Council for Sustainable Development was opened by Vladislav Tatarinovich, National Coordinator for achieving the SDGs, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. He emphasized the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a tool for consolidating the global community in the face of modern challenges and reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to fulfilling international commitments to achieve the SDGs.
“Our country annually confirms its status as an active participant in international cooperation on sustainable development through its actions and work results. As of 2025, Belarus ranks 32nd out of 167 countries in the international SDG ranking. The level of progress is over 82%,” noted Vladislav Tatarinovich.
The National Coordinator for achieving the SDGs also drew attention to Belarus’ active cooperation with international organizations, including the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He noted the steps Belarus is taking towards long-term strategic planning for the country’s sustainable development.
“There is already an active discussion about what the post-2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will be. We are also not standing still. In 2025, our country approved the National Strategy for Sustainable Development for the period up to 2040, which will serve as a strategic guideline for the entire national mechanism for achieving the SDGs in Belarus and for solving tasks after 2030,” said the National Coordinator for Achieving the SDGs.
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In 2025, the Republic of Belarus has demonstrated significant progress in achieving the SDGs, strengthening its position in the areas of social protection, education, healthcare and environmental sustainability.
Alexey Yarkovets, Deputy Chairperson of the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus, Head of the CSD intersectoral group on monitoring and evaluation of the SDGs, informed that in 2025, the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus for the first time carried out a comprehensive assessment of progress on the SDGs achievement at the national and regional levels, based on data for the period from 2015 to 2024, according to which, significant progress and high results were achieved on 82.3% of indicators.
“The greatest progress was achieved for SDG 1, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 9, SDG 12 and SDG 15. The evaluation results confirm that we have already fulfilled the targets set by the 2030 Agenda on a number of indicators, but we also occupy a leading position. An important achievement is ensuring universal access to basic social services: education, healthcare, electricity, quality housing, water and sanitation, as well as communications and public transport. This indicates a high level of quality of life for the population,” said Alexey Yarkovets.
In addition, in 2025, the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus for the first time assessed the regions’ progress towards achieving the SDGs. According to this assessment, the indicator for the Minsk region — 80.9%, Brest — 80.2%, Vitebsk — 79.2%, Gomel — 77.7%, Grodno — 77.1%, Mogilev — 76.9%, the city of Minsk — 75.4%.
In the context of modern global challenges, strategic planning for sustainable development is of particular importance, which ensures a harmonious combination of socio-economic growth, strengthening national competitiveness and respect for natural resources. A key element of this process is the alignment of national priorities with international commitments, as well as the integration of regional strategies into a single state policy, which makes it possible to build an integrated and consistent system of development of the country.
In this context, the Program of Socio-economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2026-2030 is one of the fundamental documents defining the strategic guidelines of state policy for the next five years and setting the vector of sustainable progress in the socio-economic and environmental spheres.
Elena Boligatova, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Belarus, Head of the CSD intersectoral group on Economics, informed about the development of the Program of Socio-economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2026-203.The document is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals and adapted to national interests.
“The Program defines the medium—term vector of the future development of the Belarusian economy based on three components of sustainability: comprehensive personal development, improving the quality and standards of living, balanced economic growth and ensuring environmental safety,” said the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Belarus.
The Program is based on seven main priorities:
Each priority includes specific tasks, the implementation of which will contribute to the fulfillment by the Republic of Belarus of its international obligations under the 2030 Agenda. At the same time, the tasks are digitized through a comprehensive system of qualitative indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of the Program.
“The implementation of the Program will help maintain the sustainability track and continue the progressive development of the country,” Elena Boligatova summed up.
In the Republic of Belarus, in 2024-2025, with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), draft regional strategies for sustainable development (RSSD) for the period up to 2040 for all regions of the country were prepared as part of a project “Support to the Efforts of the Republic of Belarus in Nationalization and Localization of SDGs” with the financial support of the Government of the Russian Federation. These documents play an important role in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals, adapting global guidelines to the specifics of the Belarusian regions.
At the time of the CSD meeting, the regional executive committees had approved:
Each of the documents reflects the potential, main problems of a particular region, priorities and practical steps that need to be taken to achieve sustainable development of the region in the medium term (2025-2030) and long-term (up to 2040) perspective.
During the meeting, representatives of regional groups for sustainable development provided information on the development and approval of the RSSD.
Tatyana Kalugina, Deputy Chairperson of the Economics Committee of the Brest Regional Executive Committee, member of the Regional Group for Sustainable Development of the Brest region, informed that the regional strategy of the Brest region was approved on August 18, 2025.The document includes 5 main priorities for the development of the region, including the development of human capital and the growth of quality of life, SMART management and digital transformation of development, geographically oriented development and intersectoral cooperation, involved management of regional development, greening of regional development.
Angelika Nikitina, Deputy Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Head of the Regional Group for Sustainable Development of the Vitebsk region, informed that the regional strategy of the Vitebsk region was approved on July 2, 2025.The key priorities of the Vitebsk strategy are the preservation and multiplication of human capital, comprehensive modernization, digitalization of all spheres and industries, the development of an entrepreneurial and innovative environment, increasing the sustainability of rural development, and ensuring environmentally friendly conditions for the population.
Mikhail Akunets, Chairperson of the Economics Committee of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee, member of the Regional Group for Sustainable Development of the Gomel region, informed that the regional strategy of the Gomel region has already been developed and is currently at the approval stage.The document defines the following development priorities: development of production potential, technological renewal based on digital technologies, creation of new industries, provision of labor resources, formation of a favorable investment climate for the growth of entrepreneurial and innovative activity, preservation and multiplication of human potential, increasing environmental sustainability in accordance with the principles of green and circular economy, increasing the sustainability of the development of territories affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
Sergey Myasnikov, Chairperson of the Economics Committee of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee, member of the Regional Group for Sustainable Development of the Grodno region, informed that the regional strategy of the Grodno region was approved on October 24, 2025. The Strategy is based on the principles of balanced development, resource conservation, technological modernization and social orientation. The strategic goal of the Grodno region until 2040 is to improve the quality of life of the region’s population based on balanced economic growth, the introduction of the principles of circular economy, the development of human capital, strengthening youth participation in social, economic and public life, as well as the efficient and environmentally sound use of natural resources.
Ksenia Neighborchik, Chairperson of the Economics Committee of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, member of the Regional Group for Sustainable Development of the Minsk region, informed that the regional strategy of the Minsk region was approved on November 20, 2025. The document outlines five priorities for the region’s development: the development of human capital and labor potential, ensuring innovation-oriented economic growth, enhancing investment activities and developing innovative systems, unlocking the potential of small and medium-sized businesses to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the region, rational use of natural resources and ensuring environmental safety.
Elena Prudnikova-Kirpichenok, Deputy Chairperson of the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee, Head of the Regional Group for Sustainable Development of the Mogilev region, informed that the regional strategy of the Mogilev region was approved on April 16, 2025. In order to achieve the projected level of development of the Mogilev region by 2040, seven priorities have been identified in the regional strategy of the Mogilev region: achieving demographic sustainability, increasing healthy life expectancy, increasing the attractiveness of the regional labor market, preserving a favorable environment and rational use of natural resources, digitalization and greening of the economy, development of the business environment, increasing the efficiency of the real sector of the economy, ensuring a decent quality of life for the population, achieving social well-being, and developing human potential, increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of rural areas and small towns, introducing the principles of green urban planning and sustainable consumption, providing relevant education and innovative healthcare focused on the sustainable development of future generations.
ON THE PRIORITY AREAS OF UN ACTIVITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS FOR 2026-2030
To assist the Republic of Belarus in achieving the SDGs, the UN Country Team is implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Republic of Belarus for 2021-2025. The results of this work and the priority areas of UN activities in the Republic of Belarus for 2026-2030 were presented during the CSD meeting.
Rasul Baghirov, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus, noted Belarus’ commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, consistent work to achieve them, as well as the contribution of the UN Country Team in support of national efforts.
Rasul Bagirov reported that in 2026, a new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Republic of Belarus for 2026-2030, which defines strategic priorities for cooperation, will be launched. In particular, the activities will focus on the following areas: human development and well-being, inclusive and sustainable economic transformation, clean environment, institutional foundations for peace and development.
The Cooperation Framework is based on national priorities and the 2030 Agenda, suggesting further localization of the SDGs and joint work and analysis of 17.7% of the SDG indicators for which targets have not yet been achieved.
The UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus confirmed the commitment of the United Nations to strengthen and develop cooperation with the Republic of Belarus in the interests of sustainable development.
Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP in the Republic of Belarus, noted that the UNDP Country Programme for the Republic of Belarus for 2026-2030 will take into account the priorities of global, national and regional sustainable development strategies, as well as the experience gained during the implementation of the previous program.
“The assessment of the current program cycle for 2021-2025 has confirmed that UNDP has strengthened its position as a reliable and strategic partner. We are ready to scale this experience in the new software cycle,” Armen Martirosyan said.
Thus, in 2021-2025, with the support of the UNDP, strategic and program documents in the field of healthcare, digitalization, green and circular economy, regional strategies for sustainable development for the period up to 2040 were developed in Belarus, the national multidimensional poverty index was calculated, and reporting platforms on SDG indicators were modernized. More than 95 million US dollars have been raised for the implementation of projects and initiatives.
In 2026-2030, the UNDP’s activities will focus on three key areas, each with a human being at the center: human development and well-being, inclusive and sustainable economic transformation, and a safe and clean environment for people’s livelihoods.
Armen Martirosyan assured that the UNDP will continue to be a reliable partner of the Republic of Belarus for the implementation of the tasks set.
Rustam Haydarov, Representative of the UNICEF in the Republic of Belarus, highlighted that the focus of UNICEF’s work is on realizing the potential and protecting the rights of every child.
“The main goal of the UNICEF Country Programme for 2026-2030 is to assist the Republic of Belarus in further implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, achieving Sustainable Development Goals, implementing national priorities and improving the situation of children, including the most vulnerable groups,” said Rustam Haydarov.
The UNICEF Country Programme for 2026-2030 was developed considering the priorities of the Republic of Belarus and the proposals of national partners. Its key priorities: ensuring optimal health and development, shaping a sustainable future generation, and expanding an inclusive educational environment, creating a supportive family atmosphere, and protecting against violence.
Olga Atroshchanka, Head of the UNFPA Office in the Republic of Belarus, noted that the foundation of the UNFPA Country Programme for 2026-2030 is demographic sustainability, based on evidence and covering all stages of the human life cycle.
Activities for 2026-2030 will focus on promoting the formation of family policy, ensuring longevity considering all stages of life, continuing work in the field of gender equality, countering domestic violence, strengthening reproductive and mental health, as well as developing partnerships.
“The leading areas will be pooling resources, using the latest technologies, countering stereotypes, raising awareness and following the principle of “leaving no one behind.” The focus will remain on the individual and his well—being,” said the Head of the UNFPA office in the Republic of Belarus.
In November 2025, Belarus participated in the 50th session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group of the Human Rights Council in Geneva and presented its fourth universal periodic review (UPR).
A representative delegation of Belarus was formed to present the report and conduct a dialogue, which included the Commissioner for Religious and Ethnic Affairs of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Belarus, the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus.
Igor Sekreta, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Head of the Secretariat of the Council for Sustainable Development and National Coordinator for Achieving the SDGs, informed about the passage of the fourth cycle of the UPR by the Republic of Belarus. He highlighted the importance of the UPR as a key element of the international mechanism for the protection of human rights, in which every five years each State submits a national report on the situation of the rights and freedoms of its citizens, as well as receives recommendations from other UN member States.
“According to the UPR results, the total number of recommendations made in relation to our country amounted to 332. As a result of the preliminary assessment, 128 recommendations were accepted, 71 recommendations were rejected, and 133 recommendations were taken for additional consideration,” Igor Sekreta informed. “Following the results of the UPR fourth cycle, Belarus has adopted 166 recommendations for implementation, and we have taken note of the same number of recommendations.”
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus said that the UPR results will be approved at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in February – April 2026 and will later be used as part of the country’s periodic reporting on the implementation of major international human rights conventions and covenants.
Claudia de la Fuente, Human Rights Officer at United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR, Geneva, Switzerland), informed in her speech about international examples of practical implementation of the UPR recommendations, which demonstrate the effectiveness of combining government decisions, principles of inclusive governance, national priorities, and system planning.The integration of human rights into national development programmes is also an important aspect.
Claudia de la Fuente confirmed that the successful implementation of the UPR recommendations is possible and called on the Republic of Belarus to use the successes achieved and the examples given in determining further steps, emphasizing the readiness of OHCHR to continue to support the country in these efforts.
As part of fulfilling its international obligations, the National Commission of the Republic of Belarus on the Rights of the Child should review, approve and submit to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child the National Report on the Implementation of the of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The National Report includes the provisions of the seventh and eighth national reports, as well as the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, and the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
During the CSD meeting, Ekaterina Petrutskaya, Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus, informed about the preparation of this report. She noted the importance of the National Report on the Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which confirms the country’s commitment to the protection of key children’s rights. The combined provisions of the seventh and eighth National Reports were discussed in November 2025 at a meeting of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child and will be sent to the relevant UN Committee for further consideration and protection.
The policy documents of Belarus aimed at implementing the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are national action plans for improving the situation of children and protecting their rights, approved by the Government for five-year periods. The country has developed practical mechanisms for the representation of the national Commission for the Rights of the Child in the regions, regional public reception offices are operating, and field receptions are provided.
“In the Republic of Belarus, all children have access to education, medical care and social benefits on an equal basis. The legislation fully protects children from discrimination,” Ekaterina Petrutskaya emphasized.
An effective strategy for the development of education has been developed in the Republic of Belarus. The adult literacy rate is 99.9%. Coverage of basic general secondary education among the employed population reaches 98%. Belarus belongs to the category of countries with a high level of human development and ranks 65th among 193 countries in the Global Human Development Index. In the Global Knowledge Index, the country ranks 50th among 141 countries. In the Index of Social Progress, Belarus ranks 22nd among 170 countries in terms of access to basic knowledge.
Belarus supports people with disabilities and their families at all stages of life, from birth to adulthood. Children are fully protected from poverty and neglect. The country is among the best for having a baby and ranks 40th among 180 countries. The rates of family placement of orphaned children and children left without parental care remain consistently high. Belarus consistently implements a set of measures to close children’s boarding schools and transfer children to family forms of institutionalization.
As a representative of the Secretariat of the Council for Sustainable Development and the National Coordinator for Achieving the SDGs, Irina Velichko, Head of the Main Department of Multilateral Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, informed about the work of the national mechanism for achieving the SDGs in 2025 and presented work plans for 2026. She noted the effective interaction of government agencies with UN agencies, the active involvement of public organizations, business, and youth in the implementation of tasks.
“The model of managing the process of achieving the SDGs in Belarus formed over the years under the leadership of the National Coordinator for Achieving the SDGs has effectively used all its elements, involving new stakeholders. The planned functioning of the national mechanism was ensured, the system for monitoring indicators for achieving the SDGs was improved, new forms of work were introduced, and work was actively carried out to popularize national efforts to achieve the SDGs. Belarus continued to strengthen its high positions in the international rankings on the SDGs,” Irina Velichko noted.
Key performance results in 2025:
Among the main events for 2026, Irina Velichko noted the meeting of the SCO Council on Sustainable Development in Minsk, the working visits of the National Coordinator for SDGs and the UN Country Team to Minsk, Grodno and other regions, the participation of the National Coordinator for SDGs in the Regional Forum of the European Economic Commission for Sustainable Development in Geneva, regional forums on sustainable development, meetings of the CSD, including a meeting on Chernobyl issues on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident.
Arina Bogdan, a student at the Brest State University named after A.S. Pushkin, informed about the results of the work of the SDG Youth Ambassadors of the fourth convocation.
“Having started their activities on January 23, 2024, the Youth Ambassadors of the SDGs of the fourth convocation had a significant impact in achieving the SDGs by popularizing them among young people, informing them about the mechanisms for achieving indicators at the local and national levels, as well as helping young people acquire knowledge and professional competencies of the 21st century and mastering the principles of sustainable development,” Arina Bogdan informed.
Thus, as part of their activities, the Youth Ambassadors of the SDGs of the fourth convocation held and participated in 80 events at the international, national and regional levels. Among them: the Youth Festival in Sochi, the Baikal International Youth Forum in the Irkutsk region, the Territory of Meanings Youth educational forum, the second global festival of youth digital green initiatives in Tashkent, the youth forum of SDG volunteers and others. Among the key implemented projects are the Sustainable University and Sustainable Summer projects, two SDG Movement festivals.
During the meeting, a solemn ceremony was held to award the Youth Ambassadors of the SDGs of the fourth convocation and their stand-ins with the commendations of the National Coordinator for Achoeving the SDGs for their significant contribution to the SDG achievement.
Summing up the meeting results, Vladislav Tatarinovich, the National Coordinator for Achieving the SDGs, expressed special gratitude to the previous National Coordinator, Sergei Khomenko, for the work done and initiatives implemented that contributed to strengthening the image of Belarus in the international arena and the localization of the SDGs in Belarus.
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Full video recording of the meeting:
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