The first Belarus-Estonia Conference in Tallinn, scheduled for November 10, will have the following program.
- 8:30-9:30
Registration, coffee time
Conference Day Moderator: Marko Koplimaa, Estonia’s first Special Representative for the Democratic Forces of Belarus.
- 9:30-10:30
Keynote speeches, discussion
The keynote speeches will be followed by a discussion moderated by Mr. Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director of the European Endowment for Democracy.
Speakers:
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Leader of the Belarusian democratic movement;
Margus Tsahkna, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs;
Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director of the European Endowment for Democracy.
- 10:30-10:45
Break
- 10:45-12:15
Media Freedom and the role of the Civil Society
This panel aims to explore the crucial role of independent media and civil society in Belarus and their potential to shape the country’s future. It will examine the challenges faced by media outlets and civil society organizations in Belarus and abroad, their impact on public discourse, and strategies to strengthen their influence. The discussion will emphasize the importance of free press and active civic participation in fostering democratic values and societal progress.
Speakers:
Natalia Belikova, Board Member, Head of International Programmes at Press Club Belarus;
Hanna Liubakova, independent journalist;
Aliaksandra Pushkina, media manager, Director of Communications at Zerkalo.io;
Olena Malynovska, Senior Key Expert at EU Regional Communication Programme for the Eastern Neighbourhood;
Holger Roonemaa, Head of the Investigative and Fact-Checking Desk, Delfi.
- 12:15-13:00
Lunch
- 13:00-14:30
Human Rights abuses and Achieving Accountability for the Regime in Belarus
This panel will address the pressing issue of political prisoners in Belarus and explore effective strategies to secure their release. It will shed light on the current situation, highlighting the unjust detentions, human rights violations, and the need for international solidarity. The discussion will involve sharing experiences, examining legal avenues, and exploring diplomatic and advocacy initiatives to support political prisoners and promote their freedom. The panel will tackle issues such as the state of human rights in Belarus, how the democratic world can support political prisoners, what the international community can do to enforce accountability on the regime for the crime of aggression and the violation of human rights, and what mechanisms would be best for achieving accountability.
Speakers:
Pavel Latushka, Ambassador, Head of The National Anti-Crisis Management; Deputy Head of The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus;
Andrei Sharenda, Activist of the European Belarus Civil Campaign;
Natacha Bracq, Legal Advisor with DIGNITY – Danish Institute against Torture;
Natallia Satsunkevich, Member of the Interim Board of the Viasna Human Rights Centre;
Volha Zazuilnskaya, Head of A Country to Live in Foundation; coordinator of the project of assistance to political prisoners and their families;
George P. Kent, US Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia.
- 14:30-15:00
Coffee break
- 15:00-16:30
Vision of Future Belarus. Closing remarks
This panel will envision the future of Belarus, focusing on key aspects such as democracy, culture, human rights, and socio-economic development. Participants will discuss various perspectives on shaping an inclusive Belarus, considering political, social, and economic reforms. The panel will explore ideas and strategies for building a democratic society, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. The panelists will discuss among other issues how to move towards a free and democratic Belarus, how the people of Belarus see their future, and what the role of the Democratic Forces is to develop this vision.
Speakers:
Andrei Yahorau, Director General of the EuroBelarus International Consortium and Senior Analyst at the Center for European Transformation (Belarus);
Alina Koushyk, United Transitional Cabinet Representative for National Revival;
Anton Radniankou, Head of Communications for the Coordination Council of Belarus; Center for New Ideas;
Valery Kavaleuski, United Transitional Cabinet Representative for Foreign Affairs;
Vlad Kobets, CEO of iSANS;
Katia Glod, Policy Fellow at European Leadership Network (London).
- 16:30-18:00
Closing remarks and reception
Read more about the Conference: https://www.humanrightsestonia.ee/en/conference-belarus/.
