The 2026 edition of Sustainable Development in the UNECE Region, published on 31 March 2026, offers an evidence‑based assessment of progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), based on the latest available country data.
The findings highlight a challenging outlook in the region overall where:
- Only 15% of SDG targets are currently on a trajectory to be met by 2030,
- For 65% of targets, progress remains insufficient and requires significant acceleration,
- A growing number of indicators are moving away from the desired direction, underscoring the need for urgent and intensified policy action.
At the same time, the report notes continued positive momentum on several targets, highlighting the resilience and sustained commitment of UNECE member States, even amid deepening crises and mounting pressures both regionally and globally.
Belarus Shows SDG Progress
The UNECE report highlights Belarus as a regional leader, with an overall SDG score of 82.3%—well above the global average of 35%. It also shows strong results, above 85%, in key areas: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 9 (Industry and Innovation), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities).
Key Statistics
Belarus monitors 246 national SDG indicators, achieving 70% harmonization with global lists and 94% data availability as of 2025 (At the National SDG Reporting Platform, https://sdgplatform.belstat.gov.by/)
Among 17 programme countries reviewed, Belarus ranks highly, supporting the region’s limited on-track status for just 15% of 127 measurable targets.
Annual assessments show 80%+ indicators advancing, confirmed by Belstat in UN forums, with 88% on tracked indicators featuring time series data.
Localization Impact
In 2025, Belarus implemented 21 SDG localization initiatives that delivered tangible improvements at the community level. A total of 4,903 people participated, including 693 persons with disabilities, representing all six regions of the country. These efforts aimed to enhance the safety and inclusiveness of cities and human settlements.
Local partnerships brought about practical innovations, including Belarus’ first inclusive coffee training center in Mozyr, combined with employment opportunities in the food service sector for graduates of a special boarding school for persons with mental disabilities in Pinsk.
Digital inclusion was strengthened through training in animated video production in Grodno and 3D printing in Luninets, alongside the development of an online platform for persons with disabilities and their families.
Partnerships have also expanded access to public and recreational spaces. In the Braslav district, an important tourism area, inclusive beaches and accessible tourist routes were developed, enabling persons with disabilities and older persons to participate more fully in cultural and recreational life. In the Brest region, an inclusive sports and workout area was established for residents with mental disabilities, supporting physical activity, social interaction and well-being.
These pilots illustrate how partnerships translate SDG principles into tangible community-level outcomes.
Conclusion
Sustainable and accessible cities depend on partnerships that connect national strategies with local action and infrastructure development with data, safety and social innovation. In Belarus, collaboration between government institutions, UN agencies, civil society and communities has proven effective in piloting inclusive solutions that can be adapted and scaled.
As the UNECE region advances towards 2030, this experience highlights the value of partnership-based SDG localization in transforming cities into spaces where all people, regardless of ability, age, gender or status, can participate, contribute and thrive.