The Eastern Partnership Youth Conference 2026 opened in Stockholm, bringing together around 100 young leaders and representatives of civil society and European institutions. The largest group of participants was Belarusian.
In her opening remarks, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya spoke about the role of young people in democratic change and called for supporting them:
“I fully agree that we need more young people in politics. And we need more effective youth policies across all Eastern Partnership countries. But we do not need a policy that only talks about young people. We need a policy that creates opportunities for them, protects them, invests in them, and includes them in decision-making”.
She also addressed young leaders directly, encouraging them to be bold and persistent:
“Many talented, bright, and creative people never realize their potential because they remain silent or simply do not believe in themselves. And, to be honest, I was exactly the same. If it were not for the events of six years ago, you would never have seen Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya as a political leader.
So here is my advice to you today: stand out. Be different. Be courageous. And do not become conformists. Do not accept being placed in the back row.
Fight for your seat at the table — even if it feels uncomfortable. Even if it seems impossible.
Ask difficult questions. Challenge old systems. Push for change within institutions”.
