A1 and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Belarus have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at developing joint social initiatives, promoting the principles of sustainable development, and creating equal opportunities for various population groups. The official signing, attended by A1 General Director Helmut Duz and UNFPA Head of Office in Belarus Olga Atroshchenko, took place as part of an expert round table on the employment of people with disabilities, where A1 served as the host and expert speaker.

The new agreement formalizes the parties' intention to continue joint work on implementing projects aimed at expanding digital opportunities, developing an inclusive environment, improving people's quality of life, supporting families, and promoting the principles of social responsibility. The document also provides for the exchange of experience and expertise, as well as the development of initiatives that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since 2021, A1 and UNFPA have been cooperating in bridging the digital divide among older people and people with disabilities. During this time, the partners have implemented a number of initiatives focused on digital inclusion and improving digital literacy. As part of the cooperation, informational and educational materials were developed, tested with the participation of representatives of target audiences, and distributed through social protection system institutions. These include a guide with a print run of more than 20,000 copies featuring simple and accessible instructions on using internet resources and digital services, a series of guides titled "Smartphone – It's Simple" dedicated to the practical use of mobile devices, as well as a digital literacy manual for social workers with recommendations on teaching digital skills and the basics of cybersecurity to older people and people with disabilities.

In addition, thanks to numerous offline and online seminars held under the volunteer project #яонлайн, staff of territorial social service centers, specialists from relevant organizations, silver volunteers, and representatives of target groups across Belarus were able to enhance their knowledge and competencies in digital literacy and the safe use of modern technologies. The new agreement will make it possible to expand cooperation and launch new projects that meet the current needs of society.

An expert round table on the employment of people with disabilities, organized by the UN Global Compact in Belarus and UNFPA, served as a platform for exchanging experience and discussing practical solutions in the field of labor inclusion. A1 hosted the event and presented its own experience in creating an inclusive working environment.

A1's Chief Financial Officer Olga Shafarenko spoke about the company's approaches to inclusive employment, the social and ESG projects it implements to support people with disabilities, and shared practices for fostering a culture of equal opportunities. During the discussion, participants reviewed successful cases of labor inclusion and explored opportunities for further developing cross-sector cooperation in this area.

The signing of the new agreement marked another stage in the development of the partnership between A1 and UNFPA. A1 consistently integrates ESG principles and best international practices into its operations, paying particular attention to issues of inclusion, accessibility, and corporate social responsibility. Going forward, the parties plan to continue implementing joint projects aimed at building a more open, sustainable, and inclusive society in Belarus.