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 ceremony, attended by A1 General Director Helmut Duz and UNFPA Head of Office in Belarus Olga Atroshchenko, took place during an expert round table on the employment of people with disabilities, where A1 acted as host and expert speaker.

The new agreement formalizes the parties' intention to continue joint work on 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 aimed at developing digital inclusion and improving digital literacy. As part of the cooperation, information and educational materials were developed, tested with representatives of target audiences, and distributed through social protection institutions. These include the #яонлайн 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" devoted to the practical use of mobile devices; and 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 as part of the #яонлайн volunteer project, employees of territorial social service centers, specialists from relevant organizations, silver volunteers, and representatives of target groups across Belarus were able to improve 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 roundtable 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 Financial Director 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 opportunity. During the discussion, participants reviewed successful cases of labor inclusion and explored opportunities for further developing cross-sectoral cooperation in this area.

The signing of the new agreement marked the next stage in the development of the partnership between A1 and UNFPA. A1 consistently integrates ESG principles and best international practices into its operations, with a particular focus on 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.