On the participation of Belarus in the Regional High-Level Conference on population dynamics and sustainable development
01.10.2018The Belarusian delegation headed by the Minister of Labor and Social Protection Ms Irina Kostevich participates in the High-Level Regional Conference “Enabling Choices: Population Dynamics and Sustainable Development" which is held jointly by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations Population Fund (1-2 October 2018, Geneva).
The Belarusian delegation includes the Permanent Representative of Belarus in Geneva Mr Yury Ambrazevich, representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Belarus in Geneva. In total, more than 270 representatives from about 40 foreign countries take part in the conference.
The head of the Belarusian delegation was elected as a co-chair of the Conference. Ms Irina Kostevich also led the work of the thematic section “Population Dynamics and Sustainable Development” during which she presented a report on measures taken in Belarus to ensure the demographic security of the State, implement youth and family policies, ensure social integration and eliminate gender inequalities.
Belarus was the first among the CIS countries to adopt the law “On demographic security in the Republic of Belarus” which summarizes the legal, social, medical, information and other aspects of population issues. The third State program on demographic security is being implemented right now. This year Belarus has been included into the group of countries with a very high level of human development. Over the past 10 years an increase in the life expectancy of Belarusians has been achieved, the gender gap between men and women in this indicator has decreased. The infant mortality rate in Belarus is one of the lowest among the countries of the European Union and the CIS.
Belarus is interested in international experience on such topical issues as an increase in the birth rate, a decline in the aging trend of the population, which will be taken into account when preparing the National Strategy for the Elderly.
The head of the Belarusian delegation held a number of bilateral meetings, including meetings with the UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Mr Dereje Wordofa. The current situation with the implementation of the UNFPA’s projects in Belarus as well as mutually beneficial areas of cooperation for the future are reviewed.
The results of the Regional Conference will have been included in the global review to be held during the 52nd session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development in 2019.
