Today, June 2, the Kosciuszko Forum is taking place in Gdańsk, dedicated to the role of culture and identity in times of political deadlock. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks online.
Guests and participants include:
- Artur Harazim, Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister;
- Piotr Grzelak, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk;
- Ales Bialiatski, Chairman of the Viasna Human Rights Center and Nobel Peace Prize laureate;
- Alina Koushyk, Editor-in-Chief of Belsat;
- representatives of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
From Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office, the Kosciuszko Forum is attended by the Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, the Deputy Director, Stanislava Hlinnik, and the Head of the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, Kryścina Šyjanok.
In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked the European Solidarity Center, the Polish authorities, and international partners for supporting Belarusian culture, political prisoners, and Belarusians in exile. She stressed that culture today helps Belarusians stay connected and resist Russification.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Why is support for Belarusian culture, cultural ties, and national identity so important now?
First, culture serves as a bridge between Belarusians on both sides of the border. When hundreds of thousands are in exile, we remain connected through language, literature, music, theater, and shared memory.
Second, national identity is the most important tool of resistance to the Russian world. It is no coincidence that Russia is carrying out forced Russification both in Belarus and in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Third, culture is also a component of security. A strong national identity makes societies more resilient to propaganda and attempts of external control.
Finally, culture is what connects us with Europe. Historically, Belarus has been part of the European cultural space and shared European heritage. By supporting culture, we strengthen the European identity of Belarusian society”.
