Belarus' Vitebsk Region Charts Course for Sustainable Future

UNDP's decade-long partnership drives green growth and social inclusion in the country's northern region.

September 2, 2025

The recent Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Vitebsk underscored a shared determination – across all levels of government, business, and civil society – to make the 2030 Agenda a reality. This commitment comes against a challenging global backdrop: only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are currently on track worldwide.

Belarus now ranks 32nd out of 193 countries on the global SDG index, with its northern Vitebsk region serving as a testament to what collaborative development can achieve.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has spent the past decade supporting this work through more than 50 projects and initiatives across the Vitebsk region, channeling over US$10 million into programmes that span from ecotourism to green urban planning.

Local strategies, global standards

The progress stems from Belarus' approach to translating international frameworks into locally relevant action. UNDP has supported the development of Regional Sustainable Development Strategies across the country, including in the Vitebsk oblast. These regional blueprints build on the National Sustainable Development Strategy until 2040, drawing on local strengths, needs, and priorities."

The Vitebsk Executive Committee's adoption of its Regional Sustainable Development Strategy until 2040 provides a roadmap for future development, embedding sustainable practices into the region's long-term planning. This approach reflects a trend of localizing SDGs, ensuring that international commitments translate into meaningful change for local communities.

Economic transformation through green innovation

UNDP's involvement in the Vitebsk region extends beyond policy frameworks. Support for local economic development has been central to UNDP's work. In the Orsha and Braslav districts, 13 initiatives have focused on social entrepreneurship, cluster development, start-up incubation, and entrepreneurship support infrastructure. These programmes have created a foundation for sustainable economic growth that prioritizes both social impact and environmental responsibility.

The towns of Polotsk and Novopolotsk have become pilots for green urban development, with UNDP supporting the installation of safe cycling infrastructure, smart street lighting and traffic lights, modern transport stops, and green urban traffic management.

Nature as economic engine

The integration of environmental protection and local economic opportunities is evident in the region's approach to ecotourism. UNDP has supported this sector as a source of job creation, revenue generation, and green growth across local nature reserves.

The Sinsha, Krasny Bor, and Osvejski Nature Reserves now feature innovative ecotourism products and accessible infrastructure that allow more visitors to explore the region's rich natural heritage. Work continues this year with the Yelnya Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s largest raised bogs, to unlock new funding streams and advance touristic experiences that benefit both people and nature.

Corporate responsibility takes root

The partnership has also focused on helping Belarusian businesses adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance standards (ESGs). Working alongside the Ministry of Economy of Belarus, UNDP has developed practical tools that enable companies to align with responsible practices, demonstrating that sustainable development requires engagement across all sectors of society.

Expanding horizons

With support from the Russian Federation a new set of pilot initiatives launched this year in the Vitebsk region in partnership with local authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus. These initiatives support accessible tourism in the Braslav district, promote innovative startups in Orsha, provide ESG training, and introduce adaptive sports programs for people with visual impairments.

Future vision

The Vitebsk Regional Sustainable Development Strategy until 2040 envisions a future that is innovative, green, and inclusive, creating a place where history and tradition are honored, nature is protected, and quality of life is ensured for all residents. The decade-long partnership between UNDP and the region suggests this vision is not merely ambitious but realistic. UNDP has committed to continued support by offering global expertise, networks, and resources, focusing on people-centered development work.

As global development faces multiple challenges and many countries struggle to meet their SDG commitments, the experience of the Vitebsk region offers lessons. It demonstrates that sustainable development succeeds when international expertise combines with local knowledge, when economic growth aligns with environmental protection, and when communities are involved in shaping their futures.