BELARUS
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UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals
Sixth session
New York, 12 December 2013
STATEMENT
by Mr. Valentin RYBAKOV
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Belarus
I have finished the part of my statement on behalf of Belarus and Serbia, and would like to have additional comments in my national capacity, on behalf of Belarus.
Regarding the right to development, we think that it should be clearly reflected in the future framework, whether as a target or targets within respective goals or as any other indicator. We must bear in mind that the SDGs are supposed, among other tasks, to bring to fruition the unfinished business of the MDG agenda, which has been very much about development.
Belarus supports the Rio+20 emphasis that sustainable development must be inclusive and people-centred, benefiting and involving all people, including youth and children. Human beings are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. In this connection we would like to highlight the role of the family as a natural and fundamental group unit of society in sustainable development of mankind. The family remains the basic societal unit of reproduction, development, education and socialization of children and future generations. The family, providing material and non-material care and support to their members, is the backbone of intergenerational solidarity and social cohesion. Without consistent efforts to sustain and uphold the institution of the family global sustainable development is put into question.
Belarus believes that UN post-2015 development agenda should include among other priorities the fostering and promotion of the family pattern and the family perspectives in development. It is especially topical in the situation of current demographic, social and economic challenges occurring around the world.
