LocationsShaping Development Strategies by 2040 Across Five Belarus’ Regions
August 21, 2024
During the sessions, participants engaged in small group discussions where they examined the strengths and weaknesses of their regions, identified growth points, and explored new development opportunities. The work of a discussion group in the Gomel region.
Belarus is currently developing the National Sustainable Development Strategy, a visionary blueprint extending to 2040.
Simultaneously, the Vitebsk, Minsk, Gomel, Brest, and Grodno regions are drafting or updating their own sustainable development strategies. They map a course toward sustainable growth, that improves people’s lives and protects the environment for future generations.
From May to July this year, more than 360 participants from regional and district executive committees, businesses, public organizations, educational and scientific institutions, and SDG Youth Ambassadors, engaged in strategy discussions across five regions. The sessions gathered local input that will be integrated into regional sustainability strategies.
Each region was able to pinpoint its priorities based on local conditions and needs.
For instance, the Vitebsk and Grodno regions see potential in tourism. They are planning to use their rich history, culture and beautiful nature to their advantage. While residents of the Brest region highlighted the need to push forward with sustainable farming practices. Meanwhile, the Gomel region is looking to bring digital technologies into its industries to give it a boost and create new jobs.
The discussions also pinpointed several key areas for growth. These include improving education, expanding social infrastructure, enhancing digital capabilities, embracing green and circular economy principles, and fostering a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation.
Crafting regional strategies is a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the local level. They chart a course for long-term development, tailored to each region's strengths and needs. These roadmaps also give a clear framework for local development projects and programs.
Additionally, strategies ensure that resources are used effectively and improve quality of life for people, which is key to achieving the SDGs at the local level.
The strategic sessions were organized by the Regional Executive Committees, with the support of the Economy Research Institute of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative is part of the international technical assistance project "Support to the Efforts of the Republic of Belarus in Nationalization and Localization of SDGs", funded by the Government of the Russian Federation.
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