Although not yet deeply affected by climate change, Belarus commits herself to joint actions of the international community to mitigate the adverse effects of this phenomenon. The contribution of Belarus to these global actions features, inter alia, hundreds of millions of dollars allocations to budgetary resources aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Recognising the importance of the Kyoto mechanisms, Belarus calls on Members of the Kyoto Protocol to ratify the Amendment to the Annex B of the Protocol adopted by consensus in November 2006. This amendment puts Belarus on the list of countries which have voluntarily undertaken quantified emission reduction commitments. Belarusian participation in the Kyoto mechanisms would allow it to triple the amount of reduced emissions by 2012.

Belarus plans to take active part in negotiations on the new climate change treaty. It is crucial that this treaty contains effective measures to assist countries to implement their commitments on emissions reduction. Development and transfer of technologies are essential to helping to reduce emissions. Introduction of new technologies is of particular importance for Belarus and other countries, as high rates of economic growth together with insufficient technological modernisation may lead to a large increase in emissions.

Statement by H.E. Andrei Dapkiunas, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Belarus to the United Nations, at the Coordination Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement 4 June 2009 (key points)