2040 Vision: Brest's Road to Sustainable Journey

Discussions on the future of sustainable development in Belarus's Brest region have taken place, with a focus on priorities leading up to 2040.

February 28, 2025
Photo: UNDP in Belarus

A delegation from UN agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), visited the Brest region from 24th to 25th February. The visit, organized by Belarus's National Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supported by local authorities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed to discuss the region's progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Photo: UNDP in Belarus

The Brest region is currently finalizing the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy designed with support from UNDP in 2024 and with consideration of the region's resource potential, competitive advantages, and growth areas. The document is synchronized with draft National Sustainable Development Strategy 2040. 

A woman in a vest holds a tablet while two people stand in the background.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus

Key priority areas of focus in the draft strategy include:

  • Digital technology integration into the regional economy.

  • Industrial modernization with a focus on green and circular economy principles.

  • Nature protection.

A bison stands near a tree and rocks in a snowy, fenced pasture.
Photo: UNDP in Belarus

The delegation visited various facilities, including educational, healthcare, and cultural institutions, as well as the “Belovezhskaya Pushcha” National Park.

Photo: UNDP in Belarus

At the Brest Children's Regional Hospital, the delegation was introduced to the "Diabetes School" initiative, designed to educate and support children with diabetes, and raise awareness among professionals and families. The initiative was funded by "Support to the Efforts of the Republic of Belarus in Nationalization and Localization of SDGs" project, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the National SDG Coordinator and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus with financial support from the Russian Federation. 

With over 35 projects during the past decade, totaling more than $3.6 million, UNDP is a long-standing partner of the Brest region. The projects covered areas such as environmental protection, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and education.