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  • 4th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora

    Offering an opportunity for representatives of Belarusian NGOs, initiatives, and the diaspora to meet in person, discuss pressing issues, and collaboratively shape the future

    Program

    MAY 24

    MAY 24

    SIDE EVENTS [MAY 23, 25]

    SIDE EVENTS [MAY 23, 25]

    08:30 - 09:30

    Participant registration

    09:30 - 09:35

    Opening remarks by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: Welcoming participants and launching the conference.

    09:35 - 09:40

    Welcome remarks by the President of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic, Ivonka Survila

    09:40 - 09:45

    Welcome address by Dr. Jan Malicki, Director of the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw.

    09:45 - 09:50

    Organizational welcome by moderators.

    09:50 - 11:20

    Socio-humanitarian solidarity: How the Belarusian diaspora supports political prisoners and the families of fallen volunteer fighters

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    Moderator: Volha Zazulinskaya

    Participants:

    • Yulia Yukhno, representing the diaspora and the People’s Embassies 
    • Aleh Kulesha, representing the Association of Belarusian Political Prisoners
    • Antanina Kanavalava, former political prisoner
    • A speaker (TBA) representing Belarusian volunteer fighters in Ukraine
    • Andrei Stryzhak, representing the BYSOL Solidarity Foundation

    11:20 - 11:40

    Coffee break and informal discussions of the previous topic.

    11:40 - 15:30

    Group work (hybrid format)

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    11:40–13:30

    • Residence legalization, mobility, and security.
    • Culture, education, and national identity.
    • Support for political prisoners and repressed individuals.
    • Community building, diaspora development, and mutual assistance.

    13:30–14:00 — Group presentations of results.

    14:00–15:30 — Joint working group: Fundraising.

    15:30 - 16:00

    Coffee break and informal discussions of the previous topic.

    16:00 - 16:15

    Interim results and preparations for the second part of the day.

    16:15 - 18:00

    Positive examples of diaspora communities and NGOs.

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    Moderator: Mikhail Rubin

    Participants:

    • Artsiom Liadouski – Australia
    • Irina McLean – Scotland
    • Aliaksandra Mamayeva – Slovenia
    • Nasta Svirkova – Austria
    • Maryia Yafimava – USA (Association of Belarusians in America)
    • Yuliya Yukhno – Italy
    • Vital Hauruk – Moldova
    • Alexander Moisseenko – Germany

    18:00 - 18:55

    Quick-fire Q&A with politicians, both in-person and online.

    18:55 - 19:00

    Wrap-up and closing of the day.

    MAY 23

    09:30 - 10:30

    Paths to Attracting Private Funding for the Cultural Sector

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    This side event is dedicated to exploring opportunities and strategies for attracting private financial resources to cultural initiatives and reviving the tradition of patronage. During the meeting, organizers and invited speakers will share their experience in attracting private funding through the Club of Belarusian Patrons and Belarusian Magistrates, analyze current challenges, and work together with participants to develop potential directions for the growth of patronage in the Belarusian context.

    Speakers:

    Siarhei Budkin (Belarusian Council for Culture)

    Tsimok Akudovich (Belarusian Magistrates)

    Vital Samsonau (Club of Belarusian Patrons)

    Alena Kakhovich (Club of Belarusian Patrons)

    Moderator:

    Siarhei Budkin (Belarusian Council for Culture)

    Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion — no prior registration is required!

    Conference Room: Sala Lustrzana, Staszic Palace, 1st Floor,

    Address: Nowy Świat 72, 00–330 Warsaw, Poland

    Staszic Palace

    11:00 - 12:30

    Presentation of the Report on the Involvement of the Lukashenko Regime in the War Against Ukraine

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    During the side event, a report will be presented that was prepared with the participation of a wide expert community. This report is the first systematic proof of the Lukashenko regime’s involvement in the war. It is based on both open-source information and classified data.

    The report will be presented by representatives of the BELPOL organization:

    Matvei Kupreichyk and Uladzimir Zhyhar

    Moderator:

    Uladzimir Zhyhar

    Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion — no prior registration is required!

     

    Conference Room: Sala Lustrzana, Staszic Palace, 1st Floor,

    Address: Nowy Świat 72, 00–330 Warsaw, Poland

    Staszic Palace

     

    12:45 - 14:30

    Round table: “What is Cultural Diplomacy and Who Among Us Is a Diplomat?”

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    The round table will focus on discussing introductory topics important for further work at the Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora, such as:

    • Defining cultural diplomacy. Is it always exclusively a matter of the state?
    • Why is systematic work in cultural diplomacy and promoting the country’s brand necessary?
    • What areas of activity fall under the umbrella of cultural diplomacy?
    • Can every diaspora activist, to some extent, be a “people’s” cultural diplomat?

     

    Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion — no prior registration is required!

    Conference Room: Sala Lustrzana, Staszic Palace, 1st Floor,

    Address: Nowy Świat 72, 00–330 Warsaw, Poland

    Staszic Palace

    15:00 - 17:00

    Meeting with the People’s Embassies

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    An informal gathering with coordinators and representatives of the People’s Embassies. Participants will learn about the work of the People’s Embassies, the projects they are involved in, and receive consultations and practical advice on solving challenges faced by Belarusians in different countries, as well as opportunities for collaboration. The meeting is aimed at open dialogue and providing practical support to attendees.

     

    Speakers:

    • Mikhail Rubin
    • Alexandra Mamaeva
    • Yuliya Yukhno
    • Dzmitry Vaserman
    • Irina McLean

     

    Moderator:

    Mikhail Rubin

    Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion — no prior registration is required!

    Conference Room: Sala Lustrzana, Staszic Palace, 1st Floor,

    Address: Nowy Świat 72, 00–330 Warsaw, Poland

    Staszic Palace

    17:15 - 18:45

    Bridges without Borders: Creative Work with Youth from Belarus, the Diaspora and the European Union

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    ​​This side event is aimed at strengthening cooperation between diaspora organizations and young people from Belarus, the diaspora and EU countries. Participants will jointly develop project ideas that promote integration, youth engagement and support, the expansion of mutual understanding, and intercultural communication. The program includes tools and opportunities offered by European Union educational and cultural programs.

    Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion — no prior registration is required!

     

    Conference Room: Sala Lustrzana, Staszic Palace, 1st Floor,

    Address: Nowy Świat 72, 00–330 Warsaw, Poland

    Staszic Palace

     

    MAY 25

    12:00 - 20:00

    exposition "Nothing particularly new"

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    The exhibition “Nothing Particularly New” presents original personal belongings of political prisoners, donated to the museum’s collection: everyday household items that have become silent witnesses to life behind bars.

    The lives of people thrown into prison for truth, dignity, and the pursuit of freedom. Alongside these objects are excerpts from letters, poems, and audio recordings made by the political prisoners themselves. The exhibition preserves their words and belongings not only as historical documents, but also as emotional testimonies of resistance.

    But this exhibition does more than document. It tells a story. A story about people who long to hug their loved ones and say, “Everything’s fine, I’m home.” But who, for now, are forced to write: “Nothing particularly new.”

    This exhibition is created for them — the Belarusian political prisoners. And for each of us — who wants to know and remember, to bear witness and offer support. For those who seek understanding. And for those who believe that solidarity holds power.

    Location: Museum of Free Belarus, Foksal Street 11, Warsaw