National SDGs Coordinator, 

Chair of the Vitebsk Oblast Council of Deputies, 

Deputy Chair of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee,  

Distinguished colleagues, participants, and guests, 

It is my great pleasure to join you today in Orsha on my first visit to the Vitebsk region. 

Let me begin by thanking Mr. Khomenko for organizing the regional visits – this being the third one already. 

I also extend my gratitude to the Vitebsk and Orsha District leadership for your warm hospitality. We value the partnership that delivers tangible outcomes, such as this Forum. 

Today’s event reflects our shared determination – across all levels of government, business, and civil society – to  make the 2030 Agenda a reality. However, global development is confronted with severe challenges, and only 17% of SDGs are on track. 

Remarkably, Belarus has made strong progress on this path, now ranking 32nd out of 193 countries on the global SDG index. 

As a leading development agency, UNDP is proud to have supported the development of the Regional Sustainable Development Strategies across the country, including here in Vitebsk. 

These documents bring the National Sustainable Development Strategy until 2040 to life, drawing on local strengths, needs, and priorities. 

We commend the leadership of the Vitebsk Executive Committee and welcome the adoption of the region’s Sustainable Development Strategy as a key roadmap for future development. 

Here in the Vitebsk region, UNDP works closely with communities to drive progress on the ground. Over the past decade, we have supported more than 50 projects and pilot initiatives across the region – with a total investment of over $10 million. 

Together, we have boosted local businesses, safeguarded the environment, strengthened health systems, and promoted social inclusion. 

Local economic development has been at the heart of these efforts. In the Orsha and Braslav districts, we have supported 13 initiatives on social entrepreneurship, cluster development, start-up incubation, and entrepreneurship support infrastructure. 

In Polotsk and Novopolotsk, we have supported green urban development with cycling lanes, smart traffic lights, modern transport stops and green city planning. 

UNDP has seen ecotourism become a sector that creates jobs, generates revenue, and drives green growth. 

Sinsha, Krasny Bor, and Osvejski Nature Reserves now all feature innovative ecotourism products and accessible ecotourism infrastructure that will enable more visitors to explore the region’s natural heritage. And this year, we’re working with the Yelnya Reserve to unlock new funding streams and develop touristic experiences that benefit both people and nature, 

We’re also supporting Belarusian businesses to adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance standards, or ESG.  Partnering with the Ministry of Economy, we have developed practical tools to help companies align with responsible practices. During today’s Forum, you’ll hear directly from the Vitebsk enterprises that putting ESG standards into practice. 

This year, with support from the Russian Federation, and in partnership with Vitebsk authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are launching a new set of pilot initiatives that will: 

• Support accessible tourism in the Braslav district,

• Promote innovative startups in Orsha,

• Provide training on ESG practices,

• And introduce adaptive sports programs for people with visual impairments. 

Dear colleagues,  

The Vitebsk Regional Strategy until 2040 outlines a future that is innovative, green, and inclusive. It sees the region as a place where history and tradition are honoured, nature is protected, and high quality of life is ensured for all.  

UNDP stands ready to support this vision  - offering global expertise, networks, and resources, putting people at the center of everything we do. 

Together, let’s make sustainable development not only the theme of today’s forum but a tangible, everyday reality across the region. 

Thank you.