Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Economy Development are discussed by key stakeholders in Klichev, Belarus

05 December 2019

On November 26-27, 2019, the first regional Forum “Strengthening Intersectoral Interactions for Localizing the SDGs and Rural Development” took place in Klichev (Mogilev region of Belarus). The event brought together around 80 representatives of local and regional authorities, as well as of the Ministry of Economy of Belarus, representatives of local action groups, local business, and selected M4EG signatories from other countries of the Eastern Partnership region.

The Forum was organized jointly by EU Project “Networking for improvement Job Opportunities in the Rural Areas of the Mogilev Oblast”, EU Initiative “Mayors for Economic Growth”, the UNDP Office in the Republic of Belarus, the Small Grants Program of the Global Environment Facility, the Support Program for Belarus by the German Federal Government, and the Ecopartnership civil society organization.

Representatives of M4EG signatories from Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine had an opportunity to exchange opinions on effective tools increase the competitiveness of rural areas, and the role of local authorities in facilitating intersectoral dialogue in order to support entrepreneurship and create new jobs at the local level.

The Forum discussions covered the issues of economy diversification, producers’ cooperation and innovative development of rural economies based on agro-ecotourism, green economy, social entrepreneurship, etc.

At the end of the event, a Protocol of Intentions on Cooperation was signed by the Chairperson of Klichev District Executive Committee (Belarus) and the Mayor of Dusheti Municipality (Georgia).