On October 27, the “Ireland–Belarus: National Cultural Identities” Conference took place in Dublin. It was organized by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, and Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, comments on the preparations for the conference, its participants, and opportunities to support Belarusian culture:
“The conference took more than two years to prepare. It was held during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union as an official part of its program. For us, this was an opportunity to showcase Belarusian culture.
More than 90 percent of the audience were Irish people, including intellectuals, cultural figures, and government representatives. Much of the discussion focused on parallels between Irish and Belarusian history and the struggle to preserve their languages, cultures, identities, and national historical memory. The choice of this topic was no coincidence.
The Irish shared their experience of preserving the Irish language and reviving their history, identity, and traditions. Belarusian participants presented their projects and discussed the challenges they face. Together, we explored common ground and opportunities for mutual support”.
The conference featured excerpts from “Translations” performed by the Kupalaŭcy theater troupe, as well as contributions from writer Andrei Khadanovich, the Institute of the Belarusian Language, journalists, and film critics. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered the opening remarks and joined a discussion with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defense, Thomas Byrne.
