UNDP advocates targeted support to vulnerable social groups in Belarus

Sanaka Samarasinha

MINSK, 1 March (BelTA) - The UN Development Programme advocates targeted support to vulnerable social groups in Belarus, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Belarus Sanaka Samarasinha told reporters after the ceremony to sign the memorandum of understanding between the UNDP and the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus, BelTA has learned.

“The memorandum, which we have signed today, has four main objectives, one of which is to make our support more targeted. We want it to be provided primarily to vulnerable groups. We are now finishing the research as to which oblasts, districts, towns and even families are most vulnerable from a financial point of view,” Sanaka Samarasinha stressed.

Among other objectives is the attraction of additional grants from various donors and UN member states, advancement of Belarusian companies to new markets and product diversification. “Finally, the fourth objective: we want to bring the experience of the UNDP and other international organizations, with regard to the development of small and medium-sized business initiatives and the creation of new jobs,” said Sanaka Samarasinha.

He noted that last year Belarus placed 50th in the UNDP human capital development index. “This is an incredible achievement. You are literally breathing down the neck of those countries that are considered the most advanced in this regard. However, there is a downside: Belarus is considered a middle-income country today and therefore gets less financial support. The signing of the memorandum will enhance this process,” he said.

The Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus and the UNDP signed a memorandum of understanding. The new format of cooperation between the UNDP and the Development Bank suggests co-financing of the initiatives to stimulate local and regional economic development. These initiatives will be aimed at creating additional jobs in small and medium-sized towns, encouraging the development of small and medium-sized businesses and socially-oriented business, including women's entrepreneurship.

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