More than 420 participants, 36 diplomats, and around 50 journalists gathered at the New Belarus Conference in Warsaw on August 9–10, 2025, to review five years of struggle, discuss strategies for the future, and adopt common positions of the democratic forces. How did the Conference unfold?
Day One
- Panel 1: Civic Pulse – Where We Are After Five Years?
- Study presentation “From 2020 to Today: How We Have Changed in 5 Years”
- Panel 2: Long Distance Ahead: Searching for New Meanings and Strategies
- Debates with politicians, experts, and civil society representatives
- Panel 3: Regional Security – Belarus in 2027
- Freedom March in Warsaw
Day Two
- Work in thematic groups and result presentations
- Speech by Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet
- Panel 4: With the People: Connection, Trust, and Shared Responsibility
- Lightning presentations of innovative projects
- Presentation of the democratic forces’ structure
- Panel 5: Belarusian Culture: How Do We Make It Trendy, Modern, and Authentically Belarusian?
- Awards ceremony and closing remarks
🏛 Key outcomes and appointments
- Pavel Barkouski – Representative for National Revival
- Iryna Katsialovich and Andrei Laurukhin – Deputy Representatives for Culture, Education, and Science
- Alisa Ryzhychenka – Representative for Economy and Finance
- Sviatlana Shatsilina – Head of the Democratic Belarus Mission in Kyiv
- Yulia Yukhno – Head of the Belarusian Democratic Community Center in Florence
- Tatsiana Marynich – Head of the Democratic Belarus Mission in Spain
📜 Presentations and documents
- Red Paper on Security
- Cultural Diplomacy Report
- Belarusian Democratic Movement Brochure
- Study on the Regime’s Involvement in the War (BELPOL)
🗳 Resolutions of the democratic forces
Following the Conference, a package of documents was adopted, setting the course and demands:
- Political Resolution – preservation of independence, transition to democracy, condemnation of aggression against Ukraine, demand for the release of political prisoners, and free elections.
- Release for Political Prisoners Without New Victims – unconditional release for all, end of repression, and access for lawyers and international observers.
- Security of Belarus – withdrawal of foreign troops, ban on nuclear weapons, withdrawal from pro-Moscow alliances, and integration into the European security system.
- Achieving Justice – referral of the Belarus situation to the International Criminal Court and creation of an international coalition for justice and victim protection.
- Freedom of Conscience and Religion – repeal of repressive amendments, release of imprisoned clergy, and restoration of community rights.
- Countering Russia’s Hybrid Aggression – strengthening national identity, cultural and educational exchanges, and European integration as an alternative to the “Russian World”.
- National Identity – entrenching language and culture as foundations of independence, developing cultural diplomacy, and supporting the diaspora.
- European Alternative – preparing a roadmap for EU integration, expanding cooperation, and removing visa barriers.
- Youth – supporting youth in the fight against authoritarianism, international programs, recognition of diplomas, psychological assistance, and leadership development.
