Belarus’ FM: we hope UNESCO experts will objectively assess Polish fence’s impact on Belovezhskaya Pushcha ecosystems

The UNESCO platform is increasingly being used to settle political conflicts, which goes against the core mission of the organisation – as stated by Deputy Permanent Representative of Belarus to UNESCO Kirill Grushevsky during his speech at the 219th session of the UNESCO Executive Board

During his speech, the Belarusian diplomat recalled that in 2024 Belarus celebrates the 80th anniversary of its complete liberation from the fascist invaders. The Belarusian people survived genocide, lost one third of their population and know firsthand the value of peace, “That’s why Belarus actively and consistently advocates peace and creation, and gladly welcomes everyone who does not have double standards, hidden agendas and unfriendly goals.”

Kirill Grushevsky recalled that this year Belarus also celebrates the 70th anniversary of joining UNESCO, “We highly appreciate co-operation with the organisation and note with satisfaction that since joining, Belarus has remained faithful to its ideals and actively participates in most major projects and programmes. Belarus is making serious efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda and maintains a high position in the global ranking of SDG achievements: 34th place among 166 countries.”

According to the diplomat, our country welcomes UNESCO’s efforts aimed at preserving the Belovezhskaya Pushcha – the natural transboundary World Heritage Site, “Literally these days, a monitoring mission of the World Heritage Centre and the International Union for Conservation of Nature is at the site. We hope that experts will objectively assess the impact of the border barrier erected by Poland on the territory of the site on the Belovezhskaya Pushcha ecological systems. We hope that the report prepared as a result of the mission and the recommendations of experts will enable us to preserve this unique relict forest for future generations.”

Kirill Grushevsky also stressed that Belarus fully supports the importance of protecting the rights of journalists and freedom of speech, but it’s also necessary to remember the national legal norms governing the work of the media, “The main task of journalists is to provide objective information, rather than to incite conflicts and justify violence. Belarus is firmly convinced that in the current difficult situation in the world, UNESCO – with its colossal experience – must play an important role in filling the gap in mutual understanding and trust between peoples, promoting international peace and security.”