In Belarus, UNDP Supports Collaborative Efforts to Achieve SDGs

Through green and inclusive economic development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, inclusive digital transformation, and the promotion of equality and inclusion, UNDP is helping Belarus turn the promises of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into tangible progress.

June 24, 2025

This July, the country will present its third Voluntary National Review on the SDGs, a document that tracks progress, aligns policies with global benchmarks, and pinpoints areas that need more attention.

In 2024, Belarus ranked 30th out of 166 countries in the Sustainable Development Report, scoring 78.6 out of 100 points.

Since the establishment of the National Council for Sustainable Development in 2017, UNDP has served as an integration platform, working alongside national and local partners to translate the global 2030 Agenda into tangible results across four pillars: green and inclusive economic development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, inclusive digital transformation, and equality and inclusion for all. The success of this collaboration is rooted in partnership, strategic planning, and the implementation of practical solutions.

Green and Inclusive Economic Development

In Belarus,68,000 people benefited from job creation initiatives through UNDP-supported programmes, while 20,000 sharpened entrepreneurial skills – nearly 56% of them women. 300 small and medium-sized enterprises received financial support, and 150 entrepreneurs gained access to microfinance services.

However, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is a tightrope walk. A fundamental change is needed to shift away from traditional models toward a circular economy, where resources are reused, and waste is minimized. To make this step, UNDP has worked with the Ministry of Environment to develop the National Strategy for the Circular Economy through 2035 and the National Plan for Green Economy Development.

In its recent partnership with the Ministry, UNDP is helping develop a financing mechanism for nature reserves, ensuring that environmental protection receives substantial funding, so nature remains secure in the face of growing economic pressures.

Additionally, UNDP has helped integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards into business practices — an essential step toward more sustainable growth that is both economically robust and environmentally and socially responsible.

Recognizing that the workforce must evolve alongside the economy, UNDP has also collaborated with the Ministry of Education to adapt vocational education to changing labor market demands, identifying the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

The climate crisis is reshaping economies and ecosystems worldwide., With UNDP support, Belarus has taken steps to address this challenge. Efforts included drafting the Long-term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy until 2050 and a National Action Plan for Climate Change Adaptation.

Belarus has also increased its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 35% to 38% under its latest nationally determined contribution (NDC 3.0).

Biodiversity conservation has been expanded across 756,000 hectares, of which over 100,000 hectares are newly designated protected areas.

Two young girls engage with colorful materials at a table, surrounded by educational displays. — Photo: UNDP in Belarus

However, policy alone isn’t enough; future generations must be prepared. That’s why UNDP has supported climate education programs for children and youth, embedding sustainability into learning from preschool onward. Over 1,000 teachers and schoolchildren have completed a course in climate change based on the Climate Box toolkit.

Inclusive Digital Future

A person wearing a VR headset stands in front of a space-themed display. — Photo: UNDP in Belarus

Seventy-two digital solutions are created for local economic development, smart urban planning, and ecotourism. With UNDP’s support, 8,000 women participated in an initiative to expand access to education and employment in STEM fields.

UNDP partnered with the Ministry of Informatization to assess the country’s readiness for artificial intelligence and digital transformation, laying the groundwork for smart policy and decision-making. Over 200 national experts have enhanced their knowledge in artificial intelligence regulation.

A Digital Partnership Map was developed to identify collaboration opportunities within regional organizations, such as the EAEU, SCO, and BRICS, on standardization, digital literacy, and IT services trade. UNDP has also backed the "Smart Cities of Belarus" national initiative, evaluating how technology can improve urban life while ensuring no one is left behind.

Social Inclusion

Sustainable development is about people. UNDP has supported Belarus in implementing its national action plans for gender equality and in advancing the rights of people with disabilities.

The country’s healthcare system has been strengthened through the provision of 3,350 units of modern medical equipment to regional and district hospitals. For example, a regional hospital in Mogilev now has advanced scanning machines that can detect health issues before they become life-threatening.

Equally crucial, UNDP has supported efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination against vulnerable groups affected by HIV and TB, ensuring that progress benefits everyone.

Financing the Future

Achieving the SDGs requires more than goodwill — it needs smart financing. UNDP has assisted Belarus in assessing its development financing needs through the Development Finance Assessment (DFA), and in exploring innovative funding mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, tax policy optimization, and non-traditional financial instruments. The next step will be implementing Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFF) to align resources with national priorities.

A Marathon, Not a Sprint

The SDGs aren’t a checklist — they are a long-term journey. UNDP as Belarus’ steadfast partner underscores the importance of engagement, collaboration, and strategic planning for achieving the SDGs. By combining policy expertise, financial innovation, and grassroots action, the country is making notable progress toward the Global Goals, proving that success is possible when global frameworks meet local know-how.