The environment will be the main theme of the "UN-70 Express" in Vitebsk
The main theme of the "UN-70 Express in Belarus" in Vitebsk will be the environment with all its components: issues of energy efficiency, ecology, and the involvement of local communities in sustainable development, said Viktor Yeroshov, the EU/UNDP project "Support for Local Development" regional coordinator for the Vitebsk region.
The train "UN-70 Express: Towards Partnership for Development" will arrive on October 29 at the Vitebsk railway station, which will be the last stop before the train returns to the capital the next day. UN staff, representatives of the country's government, and a wide range of partners, public associations, and youth will visit the regional center as passengers. In the city on the Daugava, project participants will discuss Sustainable Development Goals such as renewable energy sources, responsible consumption, combating climate change and its consequences, protecting, restoring, and sustainably using ecosystems, and others. The train cars will feature presentations of the wildlife, unique sites, nature reserves, and protected areas of the Vitebsk region, as well as eco-projects implemented in the region. Events in the city itself will begin with the signing of the SDG declaration at the railway station.
One of the main venues will be Vitebsk State University named after P. Masherov, which will be solemnly presented with a textbook on climate change issues, as the relevant program has been successfully integrated into the university's curriculum. This institution will also host talk shows with VIP guests and representatives of public administration bodies, and the leadership of the regional executive committee on the environment and healthcare; public hearings on climate change and green economy issues; a thematic discussion on refugee issues; and a seminar on public-private partnership. Vitebsk State Vocational and Technical College of Machine Building named after M. Shmyrev will feature a presentation of the achievements of this pilot facility of the energy efficiency project.
Several venues of the "Vitebsk" Concert Hall will host eco-exhibitions (UNDP projects and local initiatives, presentations of energy-efficient household appliances, the "Green Map", etc.) and invite children's environmental theaters, practical classes, interactive events, quests and quizzes, craft workshops, and concert performances. In addition, a whole range of related events is planned in other institutions in Vitebsk. Film buffs and lovers of good instrumental music will enjoy the cultural and entertainment program: the "House of Cinema" will screen the films "Above the Sky" and "Sisters", Belarusian artist Vladimir Pugach will perform at Secondary School No. 46 in the Bilevo microdistrict, and the American country band Blended 328 will perform at the regional philharmonic hall.
It is expected that the "UN-70 Express in Belarus" will raise public awareness of the new development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals for the post-2015 period.
Ekaterina Knyazeva, BELTA.