Distinguished members of the Council for Sustainable Development, colleagues and partners,

I am grateful for the opportunity to present UNDP's new Country Programme for Belarus which sets out our priorities for 2026–2030.

This document was developed in close cooperation with national partners and approved by the UNDP Executive Board in August of this year.

It is grounded in global, national and regional sustainable development priorities, as well as in the experience we have gained over the past five years.

An independent evaluation of the current 2021–2025 cycle confirmed that UNDP has further strengthened its role as a reliable and strategic partner.

During this time, UNDP’s programme budget amounted to $95 million.

Allow me to briefly highlight the main results of our work.

With our support,

• The national SDG architecture is now well established.

• Regional sustainable development strategies to 2040 and innovative SDG financing mechanisms were developed.

• Reporting platforms for SDG indicators at national and regional levels were modernised.

• A national multidimensional poverty index was introduced.

We supported the development of key strategic documents in:

• healthcare,

• digitalisation,

• inclusive socio-economic development,

• and a broad range of environmental areas: from CO₂ reduction and energy efficiency to the green and circular economy and biodiversity conservation.

A few figures illustrate our shared achievements:

• 134 local businesses received more than 5 million US dollars in support.

• Ecotourism revenues in nature reserves increased by 569 per cent - almost sixfold.

• 2,707 tonnes of hazardous waste were removed and safely destroyed.

• 12,000 hectares of degraded peatlands were restored.

• More than 5,300 units of modern equipment were supplied to medical facilities across Belarus.

And this is not the full list.

We are ready to scale up this experience in the new programme cycle.

In 2026–2030, our work will focus on three people-centred priorities:

1. Human development and well-being

We will continue supporting the country’s efforts to provide high-quality education and healthcare, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.

Together with the Ministry of Health, we will continue tackling infectious diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases, with a focus on prevention and accessible treatment.

In partnership with the government’s economic and social ministries, we will expand employment and digital literacy programmes.

A special priority for us will be the silver economy that promotes active ageing and a high quality of life for senior citizens.

2. Inclusive and sustainable economic transformation

We will focus on developing an innovation-driven economy, supporting green growth, and ensuring equal access to economic opportunities for all.

We will continue localising the Sustainable Development Goals so that improvements in quality of life extend beyond the capital and reach smaller towns.

Special attention will be paid to districts affected by the Chernobyl disaster. We will introduce digital solutions and principles of smart urban planning.

3. Safe and clean environment that supports people’s well-being

Our priorities include reducing CO₂ emissions, increasing energy efficiency, restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity, and reducing disaster risks.

Dear colleagues,

Over the next five years, UNDP will continue strengthening its cooperation with the government, the private sector and civil society.

We remain a trusted partner on Belarus’ path to sustainable development.

Thank you.