Distinguished participants, guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am honored to address you at the Gomel Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. 

This Forum serves as an important platform for turning the Sustainable Development Goals into real action here in the Gomel Region.
We meet at a critical moment. Globally, only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals are on track. Poverty, inequality, and climate crisis continue to challenge progress and stability. UNDP – the UN’s leading development agency – works with governments and communities in more than 170 countries to respond through innovation, partnerships, and inclusive solutions.

Belarus shows strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda, ranking 32nd out of 193 countries on the SDG Index. 

Much of this progress is visible locally, where global goals translate into real improvements in people’s lives.

This progress is particularly evident at the local level, where global goals translate into concrete improvements in people's lives. 
Looking ahead, the Gomel Regional Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2040 –developed with UNDP support – can be a powerful catalyst for further change.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Over the past decade, in close partnership with regional and local authorities and communities, we have supported more than 75 initiatives across the region.

Our work has focused on three key areas: inclusive entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.
Here are examples that show real impact. 

In Zhlobin, the ApiMir initiative supports rural jobs through household beekeeping.
In Khoiniki, inclusive coffee production creates employment for people with disabilities.In Chernobyl affected areas of the region, we have helped boost local businesses, protect the environment, strengthen health services, and promote social inclusion. 

Together with local partners, we have supported over 40 small businesses, creating more than 180 new jobs. 
We have helped farmers adopt clean technologies to grow safe produce and safely disposed of 340 tons of persistent organic pollutants. 
We also restored peatlands, advanced ecotourism, and strengthened healthcare systems — bringing tangible benefits to communities most in need.

This is how the SDGs truly come to life: by improving the wellbeing of people and community resilience. 
This year, with support from the Russian Federation, and in partnership with the Gomel regional authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have launched new pilot initiatives to:
•    establish a resource center for people with disabilities in Gomel, 
•    create an inclusive coffee making training center in Mozyr, 
•    start production of wheelchair tyres to support mobility and employment, 
•    introduce adaptive sports programmes for people with visual impairments, 
•    and promote inclusive and sustainable farming in Bragin.

We are also advancing disaster risk reduction. In partnership with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, we have launched a project to strengthen forest fire prevention and response in Gomel and Brest regions.
Building on this cooperation, we are preparing a new project in Mozyr to enhance healthcare services in Chernobyl‑affected areas.
Each of these initiatives contributes directly to the National and Gomel Regional Sustainable Development Strategies‑2040.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Sustainable development requires steady effort and strong partnerships. 
UNDP remains committed to supporting this work with our expertise and global network, and – most importantly – with a focus on results that people can feel.

I wish you productive discussions and successful outcomes at this Forum.
Thank you.