Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, participated in the meeting of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe in Budapest. During the event, Ms. Vorykhava was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Bureau, which is the governing body of the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth. The advisor explains the benefits of this for Belarusians.
⚪️ Why is this important?
“We know that our country needs the support of international partners. But Belarusians also have expertise, not only about Belarus but also internationally. In this position, we can both influence the assistance provided to Belarus and demonstrate that we have something to offer in return”.
🔴 Is Belarus included in the work plans?
“Essentially, the bureau works on drafting recommendations and resolutions, directing the work of the Council of Europe in the youth sector and other areas that affect it, like environment, artificial intelligence, education, and mobility. This decision will help us make sure that Belarus and the position of Belarusian youth are mentioned in all the documents sent for approval”.
⚪️ Does the Council of Europe’s Contact Group on Belarus work with youth?
“During the meeting with the head of the Youth Department, Tobias Flessenkemper, we discussed the importance of the work of the contact group and comprehensive support for Belarus. The Council of Europe intends to work in this direction and provide more sustainable and long-term support. There already is a plan in place for Belarus, with a significant portion of it focusing specifically on youth”.
