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  • 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora

    This is the fifth conference bringing together Belarusians from different countries, both offline and online, to discuss current challenges, find solutions, define future prospects, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation among diaspora communities worldwide.

     

    *The event is public. Photo and video recording will take place.

    Program

    01 MAY

    01 MAY

    02 MAY

    02 MAY

    The program will be announced later

    09:15–10:00
    Participant registration, welcome coffee/tea, access to the Coordination Council lists – stands in the foyer at the entrance
    10:00–10:05
    Opening remarks by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: welcome and official opening
    10:05–10:15
    Welcome address from the diaspora community
    10:15–10:30
    Organizational remarks by moderators (program, formats, reminders about conduct and media presence, photo/video). Introductions
    10:30–11:30
    Roundtable discussion: “Who Are We: Belarusians Abroad, Belarusians Worldwide, Diaspora, or a National Minority?”
    More

    Discussion with representatives of Belarusian communities from different countries focused on identity and self-definition.
    Through the question “who are we?”, participants explore shared challenges and opportunities for mutual strengthening.

    11:30–12:00
    Presentation of the study “Counting Belarusians Worldwide”
    More

    Discussion of initial results from the People’s Embassies research on the number of Belarusians living in Council of Europe countries, as well as possible conclusions and hypotheses explaining the data.

    12:00–12:30
    Coffee break
    12:30–13:30
    Pitch market – presentations of successful diaspora practices (Part 1)
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    Presentation of best practices from diaspora communities worldwide.

    13:30–14:30
    Lunch
    14:30–15:30
    Pitch market – presentations of successful diaspora practices (Part 2)
    More

    Presentation of best practices from diaspora communities worldwide.

    15:30–16:30
    “What (Doesn’t) Work: How Can Diaspora Cooperate with Donors?”
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    Panel focused on practical interaction between donors and diaspora initiatives: priorities, funding opportunities, and entry points for diaspora initiatives and NGOs.

    16:30–17:00
    Coffee break
    17:00–18:30
    Debate of Coordination Council members: “Why Does the Coordination Council Matter for Belarusians Abroad?”
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    Discussion of representation, advocacy, and lobbying efforts, including achievements and future plans.

    18:30–19:00
    Summary and closing of Day 1
    09:15–10:00
    Participant registration, welcome coffee/tea
    10:00–10:10
    Organizational remarks by moderators
    10:10–11:00
    Panel discussion: “Political Advocacy: Challenges and Opportunities”
    More

    Cooperation with politicians, officials, and local authorities. Best practices and possible ways to turn diaspora engagement with the democratic forces into a long-term process.

    11:00–11:30
    Presentation of the project “Mapping the Problems of Belarusians Abroad”
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    Research on challenges faced by Belarusians abroad and recommendations for host countries to address those.

    11:30–11:40
    Division into working groups
    11:40–12:10
    Coffee break
    12:10–14:00
    Group work: “Joint Solutions to Support Belarusians Abroad”
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    Interactive sessions aimed at identifying key challenges, analyzing successful and problematic cases, and developing practical recommendations and joint actions for diaspora and the democratic forces of Belarus.


    Thematic groups:

    1. Passports and documentation – what Belarusians without valid passports abroad can do.
    2. Security and countering transnational repression – how Belarusians abroad can respond to the regime’s threats.
    3. Belarusian identity vs. assimilation – preserving and developing national identity.
    4. The reputation of Belarusians in host societies – building a positive image and effective communication.
    5. Nationwide diaspora projects – prospects for large-scale initiatives uniting Belarusians abroad.
    14:00–15:00
    Coffee break
    15:00–16:00
    Presentation of group results
    More

    Presentation and discussion of the group work results

    16:00–16:20
    Award ceremony
    16:20–16:40
    Conference summary
    16:40–16:45
    Closing remarks by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya