During her visit to Albania, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya took part in the Pact of Free Cities Summit. The Pact of Free Cities is a global network established in 2019 by the mayors of capital cities, aiming to defend and promote the values of freedom, democracy, and equality. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was joined by 21 mayors from its member cities.
Ms. Tsikhanouskaya delivered a speech, outlining three areas in which city mayors can support and contribute to the democratization of Belarus:
- Establishing connections
“First, let’s build bridges despite the dictators trying to isolate us. We can learn from each other and bring our countries and peoples closer. We need to organize joint events, seminars, and exhibitions. We need this because sometimes I feel that people in the West take freedom and democracy for granted – while in countries like Belarus or Ukraine, people are dying for them”.
- Supporting those fighting for pan-European values
“Second, I urge you to stand with those who are fighting for freedom. With the brave people of Ukraine, who are fighting not only for their country but for all of Europe. And with the people of Belarus, who are on the frontlines against tyranny. We must support Belarusians fleeing repression, who have found refuge in your cities. Activists and journalists, entrepreneurs and artists. Allow them to work, integrate, and continue fighting for the values we all cherish”.
- Assisting in the transitional period
“Third, help us prepare for the future. We need people who will rebuild our cities after tyranny and bring them to democracy. This is why Belarusians need opportunities to intern at your universities and companies so they can learn about democracy and self-governance firsthand. We want to both adopt best practices and learn from your mistakes to avoid ours”.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Free cities are the enemies of dictators. Because they are not just streets and buildings. They are the hearts of democracy, actively beating. Places where people come together to stand against injustice and create a better future.
It is in cities where refugees seek shelter. It is in cities where people unite to fight oppression. And it is in cities where real change begins. Revolutions are not born in palaces – they begin in the streets”.
