Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN Office in Geneva Y.Ambrazevich participates in the high-level segment of the meetings of the conferences of the parties to the Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions

06-05-2017

On May 4-5, 2017 in Geneva, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Belarus to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Yuri Ambrazevich, participated in the high-level segment of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions dealing with issues of management of hazardous chemicals and waste.

High-level debate and round-tables were attended by heads of environmental agencies from over 180 states, heads of permanent missions in Geneva, representatives of relevant international organizations. Plenary discussion and round tables were devoted to the theme “A future detoxified: sound management of chemicals and waste”.

The Belarusian diplomat appreciated the work of the three “chemical conventions” aimed at national capacity building of member states. Y.Ambrazevich underlined that the standards and regulations developed by the experts of these conventions contribute to the development of international cooperation and further harmonization of national legislations, which ultimately affects the well-being of all peoples.

Permanent Representative of Belarus briefed the participants on the fulfillment by our country of the commitments under Basel and Stockholm conventions in the context of achieving the goals of sustainable development, and informed about the intention of Belarus to join the Rotterdam Convention. Y.Ambrazevich noted that the activities of the Government of Belarus in areas covered by the three Conventions are based on relevant state programs and covered by relevant state institutions and legislative provisions. The growing involvement of Belarus in the international trade system and in cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union requires that the state machinery is constantly fueled by best experience and international practices. The accession of Belarus to the Rotterdam Convention, which is currently under consideration, will also serve these objectives.

The Permanent Representative of Belarus noted that being a landlocked country, Belarus was in favor of depoliticizing the transit of hazardous chemicals and wastes. Belarus is also interested in promoting regional dialogue, primarily with neighboring countries, in the search for the most effective ways of destroying hazardous waste and stocks of unused pesticides. In this respect, by joining their efforts in establishing appropriate facilities for the destruction of harmful chemicals, Belarus and neighboring states could create a perspective dimension for investment activities and cooperation in the region.

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