SOLIDARITY MARATHON. On July 29, at the initiative of United Transitional Cabinet Representative for Social Issues Volha Harbunova, a Solidarity Marathon was held. It aimed to raise money for political prisoners and their families. More than 40 Belarusian initiatives, organizations, foundations, and independent media joined it. You can watch the recording of the marathon here. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya released a video address on the outcomes of the marathon — on its first day, it raised more than 350 thousand euros.
At the end of the marathon, Belarusians together raised 574,617 euros for the needs of political prisoners and their families. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya thanked everyone who made donations and took part in the marathon. “Belarusians, I am proud of us! We have regained faith in our ability to unite as Belarusians. But there is no need for a reason or a special date to help each other. Solidarity and mutual care have always been and will remain our strength,” said the Belarusian leader.
NEW BELARUS CONFERENCE. On August 6, the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the United Transitional Cabinet, and the Coordination Council will hold the New Belarus Conference 2023 in Warsaw. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya recorded a video address speaking about the Conference and its goals: “At the conference, we will openly discuss our achievements, successes and failures, future plans, and a vision for the future of our country. We must address this not only for the people but also for ourselves. We must understand how to achieve our goals, which seem increasingly unreachable”.
To make the conference accessible to everyone, it will be live-streamed so you can address questions to the speakers. We have also launched an online form where Belarusians can share their opinion on the work of democratic forces. Find out more about the conference at the link.
DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH BELARUS. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya announced the International Day of Solidarity with Belarus on August 9. Belarusians and friends of Belarus abroad are invited to join: “Together we can do a lot – so let's make sure our voice is loud enough for the world to hear us”. Visit the link to see how you can join the campaign as a foreigner. For more information on Solidarity Day, go to: https://standwithbelarus.org/day-of-solidarity/.
SOVEREIGNTY AND INDEPENDENCE. On July 27, 1990, the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Belarus was adopted. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented: “I am not an analyst or an expert to make predictions. History shows that we Belarusians are good at defending what is rightfully ours. And I am convinced that Belarusians will attain the independence and the country we deserve. No matter how difficult it may seem now, we will look back on these times as historical moments — the history of our fight for freedom and independence. And these difficult days will be just one of its chapters”.
COOPERATION WITH INITIATIVES. On July 26, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, her Senior Advisor Franak Viacorka, and Head of Public Outreach Daniil Garkavy held a call with partner civic initiatives participating in the Office's Hub Residency Program. They shared the latest news about the Office's work and plans and discussed the preparations for the New Belarus Conference and Solidarity Day. Volha Harbunova, Representative of the United Transitional Cabinet for Social Issues, also joined the call to inform the initiatives about the Marathon of Solidarity with political prisoners and their families held on July 29.
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS. On July 27, Office volunteers had a conversation with Hanna Liubakova, a journalist and non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council. During the online meeting, Hanna explained how analytics on Belarus helps foreign partners and spoke on how to promote the Belarusian agenda at the international level.
You can support the Office's volunteer program through BYSOL.
CONVERSATIONS WITH BELARUSIANS. On Friday, July 28, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and her deputy at the United Transitional Cabinet Valery Kavaleuski held Zoom calls with Belarusians. Such calls are held weekly to discuss issues faced by people in different towns and cities in Belarus and abroad.
MEDIA. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya gave interviews to Zerkalo (Belarus), TBS (Japan), Nasha Niva (Belarus), BelSAT (Belarus), Verdens Gang (Norway), PAP Polska (Poland), TVP World (International), Radio Liberty (1, 2, 3) (Belarus), RUV (Iceland), Radyio Racyja (Belarus), Dozhd (Russia, in exile), Foreign Policy (International), Pozirk (Belarus), Malanka (1, 2) (Belarus).
