National SDG Coordinator, Mr. TATARINOVICH
Deputy Chairperson of the Minsk Oblast Executive Committee, Mr. KURLENKO
Distinguished colleagues, partners, and guests,

Thank you for the warm welcome to the Minsk region. 

I appreciate National SDG Coordinator Mr. Tatarinovich for facilitating this joint visit, continuing our valuable practice of engaging directly with regional partners.

This visit is an opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved together and to look ahead. 

UNDP comes to the field with unwavering support and a track record of solid impact. 

Today, we reflect on the progress made in the Minsk region and share our vision for how we can build on this foundation in the future.

We are in a "Decade of Action" for the Sustainable Development Goals — a critical moment where local progress, like that seen here in Minsk Oblast, fuels global success. 

Belarus' strong commitment is reflected in its notable position on the global SDG Index (32^nd), with significant progress driven at the regional level.

The Minsk Regional Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2040 is an ambitious roadmap that was developed under the region’s leadership with our support. 

It sets an ambitious vision centered on innovation, well-being, and environmental safety – priorities fully aligned with UNDP's mandate. 

Our new Country Programme for 2026-2030 is designed to help translate such regional ambitions into reality, building on what has already proven effective at the local level. 

Over the past 5 years, our partnership in this region has channeled over 10 million US dollars to support local development priorities.  

The results we have achieved together provide a strong foundation that can be replicated, scaled up, and expanded around three pillars.

First, we partner to build an inclusive and innovative economy. 

In Borysov, we helped the local paper factory adopt recycling technologies, saving up to $1 million annually while protecting the environment.

In Molodechno, we showcased the opportunities startups create for entrepreneurship. Through targeted training, practical sessions, and networking events, we helped strengthen entrepreneurial skills among local communities and encouraged youth‑led innovation.

And in the Cherven and Dzerzhinsk districts, we brought innovation to the heart of agriculture by modernizing a key Competence Center and a Laboratory for GIS Technologies. This will help make farming more precise, productive, and sustainable.

Second, we believe in putting people at the center of development. 

In Dzerzhinsk, we introduced adaptive sports for people with visual impairments. 

Across the region, we introduced augmented-reality (AR) tools to train orthopedic surgeons, helping dozens of specialists use AR-guided planning and navigation for limb and joint treatment. 

Our goal is to ensure that growth benefits everyone and that technology serves humanity.

Third, we work to balance prosperity with the environment. 

By helping establish the ecotourism cluster around the Naliboksky Nature Reserve, we showed that preserving unique natural heritage can also generate new economic opportunities for local communities.

Dear colleagues,

These are examples of what we can achieve when we design solutions together and focus on practical results.

Today’s meeting is not about announcing ready-made solutions. 

It is about listening, jointly prioritizing, and shaping a practical pipeline under the Minsk Regional Strategy 2040. 

We are ready to work with you to expand priority areas for collaborative action and explore how we can best join your efforts through technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and partnership building.

I hope today’s discussion will help identify more collaborative pathways that are implementable, sustainable, and impactful.

Thank you for your openness and cooperation.