Over 200 events were held in Belarus during the campaign "Inclusive Belarus: Leaving No One Behind in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," the UN Department of Public Information in Belarus informed BELTA.
Over 200 events were held in Belarus during the campaign "Inclusive Belarus: Leaving No One Behind in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," the UN Department of Public Information in Belarus informed BELTA.
The large-scale information campaign took place in October-December. For 48 days, it united all regional centres of the country and Minsk, focusing on important issues such as inclusion, equality, and ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, gender, health status, skin colour, religion, or ethnic origin.
The campaign was organised by the UN in cooperation with state and non-governmental organisations, with the participation of representatives from business and the international community. It is a continuation of the initiative "UN-70 Express in Belarus on the Path to the Sustainable Development Goals" and aims to raise public awareness of barriers and inequality, and to combat the stigmatisation of vulnerable population groups.
The campaign was launched on October 24, UN Day, after which a caravan of three buses and 740 people on board visited Grodno, Brest, Gomel, Mogilev, Vitebsk, and Minsk. In each city, a vibrant and intensive programme was held throughout the day on several sites, including 201 events and 15,630 participants, among whom were representatives of 11 vulnerable population groups. The traditional and solemn start of the day was the signing of the "Statement of Commitment to Leave No One Behind in Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities" by representatives of UN agencies in Belarus and local authorities in the regions.
Following the official ceremony, guests had the opportunity to explore exhibitions by UN agencies and institutions working in the field of inclusion. The exhibitions and stands, dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Belarus, helped all attendees embrace the idea of inclusion, an equal society, and learn about the stories of internally displaced persons or find out more about the necessity of creating an accessible environment for people with disabilities. The main objective was not only to highlight the barriers faced by representatives of vulnerable population groups but also to showcase the inner strength of these individuals, as well as the solutions aimed at eliminating these barriers.
Additionally, guests could purchase various items made by people with disabilities: toys, jewellery, postcards, souvenirs, and many other wonderful creations made with heart. One of the "kindest" stands was that of the Belarusian Children's Hospice, which, with the support of the UNDP Staff Association, is running a fundraising campaign for the hospice's needs. Everyone interested could contribute to a good cause, as well as create an origami stork figure and hang it on the tree of kindness.
One of the unusual and original initiatives was a blindfolded table tennis tournament, which provided insight into the experience of being a person with visual impairment.
The programme also included round tables where participants could discuss issues related to the realisation of women's leadership potential on the path to gender equality and youth participation in achieving the SDGs.
The day concluded with an inclusive concert featuring Belarusian stars, artists, designers, and photographers, as well as representatives of vulnerable population groups. Through their heartfelt contributions, the performers demonstrated to the audience that opportunities have no limits and no one should be left behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.