Company A1 and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Belarus signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at developing joint social initiatives, promoting sustainable development principles, and creating equal opportunities for various population groups. The solemn signing, attended by A1 CEO Helmut Dusa and head of the UNFPA office in Belarus Olga Atroshchenko, took place as part of an expert roundtable on employment of people with disabilities, where A1 acted as the host and expert speaker.

The new agreement consolidates the parties' intention to continue joint work on implementing projects aimed at expanding digital opportunities, developing an inclusive environment, improving the quality of life of people, supporting families, and promoting social responsibility principles. The document also provides for the exchange of experience and expertise, as well as the development of initiatives contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Since 2021, A1 and UNFPA have been cooperating in overcoming 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 raising the level of digital literacy. As part of the cooperation, informational and educational materials were developed, tested with the participation of target audience representatives, and disseminated through social protection system institutions. Among them is the guide #яонлайн with a circulation of over 20,000 copies containing simple and accessible instructions for using internet resources and digital services, a series of guides "Smartphone – it's simple" devoted to practical use of mobile devices, as well as a guide on digital literacy for social workers with recommendations on teaching digital skills and basics of cybersecurity to older people and people with disabilities.

Moreover, thanks to numerous offline and online seminars within the volunteer project #яонлайн, employees of territorial social service centers, specialists of profile organizations, silver volunteers, and representatives of target groups throughout Belarus were able to increase their knowledge and competencies in digital literacy and safe use of modern technologies. The new agreement will allow expanding cooperation and launching new projects that meet current societal needs.

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 sharing experiences and discussing practical solutions in the field of labor inclusion. A1 acted as the host of the event and presented its own experience in creating an inclusive work environment.

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

The signing of the new agreement marks 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 special 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.