News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 1 September (BelTA) – Belarus supports efforts of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in enhancing cooperation between the parliaments and the UN, Vladimir Andreichenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, said when speaking at the Fourth World Conference of the Speakers of Parliament: “Placing democracy at the service of peace and sustainable development: Building the world the people want”, BelTA learned from the press service of the House of Representatives.

“The adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will guide the work of the international community for next 15 years, will be a crucial step towards building a more thriving, sustainable and equal world. It is of paramount importance that the national parliaments are involved in the process of elaboration of SDGs. We fully support the efforts of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to enhance cooperation between the parliaments and the United Nations,” said Vladimir Andreichenko.

In his words, the challenges the society is facing today demonstrate clearly the significance of the Parliament as a core institution of any democratic state. “By expressing the will of the people at the national level, the legislative branch should actively engage in addressing the most difficult issues on international agenda. This is the only way for us to build the world the people want,” the Speaker said.

“While acknowledging the gravity of the problems the humankind faces today, one should admit that the implementation of the Millennium Declaration has demonstrated significant success,” the Chairman of the House of Representatives stressed. He noted that Belarus has early accomplished the MDGs relating to eradication of need and hunger, ensured 100 per cent literacy, has lowered significantly maternal and infant mortality. “The success of Belarus is confirmed by its 53rd place in the United Nations Human Development Index that places our country close to the group of states demonstrating highest level of human development,” he said.

Besides, Belarus has made significant progress in ensuring gender equality. Belarus takes the 28^th place in the UN Gender Equality Index. Around 30% of Belarusian Members of Parliament are women.

According to Vladimir Andreichenko, Belarus pays serious attention to youth policies and engaging the youth in social life. Many cities have youth parliaments. Our participation in the activities of the Eurasian Youth Parliament is constantly increasing. The Consultative Youth Council has been created under the auspices of the UN regional office in Belarus.

According to the Speaker, Belarus focuses on the environmental issues. “Our initiatives enjoy broad support on the international arena. They mainly pertain to the new and renewable energy sources and "green economics", he said.

“In today’s turbulent world Belarus prides itself with social consensus and stability, absence of ethnic and religious discrimination,” the Chairman of the House of Representatives added.