English
We invite representatives of civic initiatives and political bodies, activists, businesspeople, and experts to the Conference to discuss how to make a change. We will look back on the past year, assess our progress and mistakes, and see what we should do next. The future of Belarus depends on our decisions.
New Belarus Conference documents
The masterclass will aim to break stereotypes and improve interactions with youth. It will explore how approaches to youth impact the quality of their participation in social life and politics. The discussion will focus on the impact of linguistics on communication, including youth slang. The event will be based on recommendations from the Council of Europe and will include practical advice for politicians and public figures.
Moderated by
Marharyta Vorykhava / Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, President of the RADA Youth Council, Member of the Contact Group of the Council of Europe and the Consultative Group between the EU and Belarus’ democratic forces.
Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion without prior registration!
Conference Hall 5.3 of the LitExpo Exhibition Center
Laisvės pr. 5, Vilnius
The meeting will focus on three key aspects of helping Belarusian political prisoners and strengthening national identity.
The event will aim to emphasize the importance of consolidating Belarusian initiatives and international support programs to create effective solutions and strengthen cultural identity. It will explore how international cooperation and the exchange of experiences can contribute to more effective assistance and support for Belarusians in difficult times.
Moderated by
Irina McLean / Coordinator for Health and Social Care at NHS Research Scotland, People’s Consulate of Belarus in Scotland
Speakers
Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion without prior registration!
Conference Hall 5.3 of the LitExpo Exhibition Center
Laisvės pr. 5, Vilnius
Education is of strategic importance for social progress. However, the education sector in today’s Belarus cannot keep pace with the modern civilized world. Repression, ideological pressure, and international isolation cause the degradation of educational and scientific institutions.
What can be done in this context?
– How can we support teachers, lecturers, and scientists who remain in Belarus? And what prospects do those in exile have?
– What fields should be prioritized for donor funding in the education sector?
– What should be done now to prepare for future education reform in Belarus?
Moderated by
Tatsiana Shchyttsova / Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Dr. habil. in Philosophy, Professor at the European Humanities University
Speakers
Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion without prior registration!
Conference Hall 5.3 of the LitExpo Exhibition Center
Laisvės pr. 5,
The seminar will feature presentations of two studies:
Moderated by: Expert Vadim Mozheiko
The authors will present their work, followed by a discussion featuring experts Yevhen Mahda (Politologist) and Roza Turarbekava.
Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion without prior registration!
Conference Hall 5.3 of the LitExpo Exhibition Center
Laisvės pr. 5, Vilnius
The mission of Democratic Belarus in Brussels, the mission of Democratic Belarus in Kyiv, the Office of Belarus Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, and the representative for Estonia and Latvia play an important role in supporting the Belarusian people in their quest for freedom and democracy.
What functions do the representations perform? How do they protect the rights and interests of Belarusians abroad? What do they do to strengthen international cooperation with the democratic forces of Belarus?
Moderated by
Vadim Mozheiko / Expert
Speakers:
Join the presentation to get answers to these questions from the leadership of these four representative offices and ask your own!
Everyone is welcome to join, listen, and participate in the discussion without prior registration!
Conference Hall 5.3, LitExpo Exhibition Center
Laisvės pr. 5, Vilnius
At this informal meeting, representatives of the People’s Embassies will speak on the current projects of the initiative, share practical information for Belarusians on solving issues with legal documents, bank accounts, international protection, and other concerns in different countries, and respond to the regime’s propaganda.
Anyone can join, listen, and participate in the discussion without prior registration!
Ukmergės g. 219, Vilnius,
Conference hall on the second floor
Opening remarks, work plan for the day. Presentation of the results of the democratic forces’ activities for 2023-2024
How to overcome the growing divide between Belarusians and the democratic forces, as well as those inside the country and those in exile? “2025 Election”: How to prevent the regime from “turning over the page”? How to defend Belarus’ independence? How to respond to a possible escalation of the war or involvement of the Belarusian army?
Moderated by:
Fiodar Pauliuchenka / Chief Editor of Reform.news
Speakers:
How to promote the mobility of Belarusians? How to prevent a new Iron Curtain at the border and keep European doors open for Belarusians? What is needed to increase the effectiveness and accessibility of educational programs and professional opportunities for Belarusians? How to counter the increasing orientation of Belarus toward Russia? How to defeat Belarusians’ mindset about “not being welcome in Europe”? How to handle sanctions so that there is more Europe in Belarus? How to draw international attention to Belarus?
Moderated by:
Siarhei Pelesa / Journalist, political commentator for Belsat TV, anchorman and Editor of International Broadcasting at Belsat, TVP WORLD, and TVP INFO
Speakers:
What disturbs Belarusians: prices, earnings, pensions, shortage of essential goods, healthcare, or other social services? How should a responsible government cope with these challenges? The response of Belarus’ democratic forces. Vision of the New Belarus.
Moderated by:
Volha Loika / Journalist, economic commentator
Speakers:
What does it mean to be Belarusian today and what guarantees our identity? How to integrate the study of Belarusian culture, history, and language into Belarusians’ lives and education? How to encourage the creation and promotion of online content in the Belarusian language? How to involve more people in cultural activities and projects? What should be the image of Belarus and Belarusians for us and foreigners?
Moderated by:
Alaksiej Dzikawicki / Journalist, Acting director of Belsat TV
Speakers:
Alongside the National Leader, the following speakers will answer questions from the audience:
What steps are needed to solve the problems faced by veterans and volunteer fighters? How to change public opinion toward them? How to provide medical, legal, social, and psychological support? Examples of successful international cooperation. Possible partnerships with international organizations. How to unite Belarusians with combat experience into a community capable of actively participating in the liberation of Belarus?
Moderated by:
Zmitser Mitskevich / Journalist at Belsat
Speakers:
Comprehensive assistance programs for political prisoners and released political prisoners. Real opportunities and challenges to work with. Concepts of rehabilitation and resocialization for released political prisoners and how they work in practice. Results of the work on political prisoners within the Strategic Dialogue. Strategy for the release of political prisoners. Outcomes of work in 2024 and plans for 2025.
Moderated by:
Sabina Aliyeva / Journalist, Head of Social Media at Tribuna
Speakers:
What is the international humanitarian fund established in Norway to support political prisoners? How does it differ from other programs? How was it established? How will it help Belarusians?
Presenters:
Can the democratic forces take over the functions of supporting vulnerable groups in exile? Can assistance to supporters in difficult moments motivate citizens to potentially take action? How can volunteer and public initiatives contribute to the support of vulnerable groups and strengthen trust in the democratic forces? Are there examples of the democratic forces’ productive support for vulnerable groups – and what can we learn from them? What resources and infrastructure are needed for support, and how can they be developed?
Moderated by:
Iryna McLean / Coordinator for Health and Social Care, NHS Research Scotland
Speakers:
The panel will allow representatives from various factions to express their visions and plans for reforming and developing the Coordination Council, which will help create a more effective and inclusive structure for achieving democratic changes in Belarus. The moderator will invite speakers to present their opinions on the following issues:
Moderated by:
Anatoli Liabedzka / Former Member of the Supreme Council of Belarus (1996), Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor for Constitutional Reform and Parliamentary Cooperation
Speakers: