MINSK, May 12 – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has confirmed his country’s participation in the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Summit, according to the presidential press service. Lukashenko expressed gratitude to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for the invitation and pledged Belarus’ active involvement in the preparation and participation in the significant event at an appropriate level.
In a letter responding to Guterres’ invitation, Lukashenko emphasized that the September summit should prioritize the connection between peace and sustainable development. He called for a renewed push to initiate a global security dialogue.
The Belarusian president criticized unilateral coercive measures and sanctions, describing them as serious obstacles to achieving sustainable development goals. He argued that these arbitrary and illegal actions, driven by the self-interest and expectations of a group of Western countries, undermine progress toward sustainable development objectives. Lukashenko warned that such sanctions erode global food security and exacerbate poverty and hunger across regions and continents.
Lukashenko went on to condemn sanctions as a weapon that ultimately leads to loss of life. He highlighted Belarus’ longstanding call for comprehensive security dialogue aimed at establishing a fair and new world order.
The Belarusian leader emphasized his country’s commitment to sustainable development goals, which are integrated into national strategic documents. Lukashenko expressed confidence that Belarus’ experience in effectively pursuing sustainable development goals would be valuable to many UN member states. He reiterated his readiness to share Belarus’ insights and practices during the summit.
The UN Sustainable Development Summit serves as a platform for international collaboration and commitment to achieving sustainable development goals outlined in the UN’s 2030 Agenda. With Belarus’ active participation in the upcoming summit, the country aims to contribute its expertise and perspectives to further advance the global sustainable development agenda.
As the summit approaches, attention will focus on the discussions and outcomes that emerge from this gathering of world leaders and stakeholders. Belarus’ involvement in the summit is expected to enrich the dialogue and offer valuable insights into the pursuit of sustainable development on a global scale.
