The 4th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora is taking place in Warsaw. On Friday, the forum began with a series of major side events featuring open discussions, live conversations, and collective analysis of challenges currently facing Belarusians. One of the key moments was the presentation of the BELPOL report on the Lukashenka regime’s involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
On Saturday, May 24, panel discussions will take place. Through dialogue and brainstorming, participants will assess the work of the diaspora and explore ways to improve its impact in key areas:
- Migration issues, mobility, and safety;
- Culture, education, and national identity;
- Support for political prisoners, the repressed, and volunteer fighters in Ukraine;
- Diaspora communities and mutual assistance;
- Fundraising and practical project implementation.
A distinctive feature of the day is that participants will not only listen to expert speakers but also join group sessions to develop practical solutions to real-life challenges.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya called for joint efforts in her opening address:
“The very fact that we are here together today is a sign that we are united by our love for Belarus and our shared responsibility for its future. To get through this difficult and long marathon, we need resilient structures for Belarusians in exile – structures that leave no one behind. They must be built on trust, solidarity, and, of course, self-organization.
I would like to ask that this conference results in a concrete plan, including campaigns, projects, and initiatives that we can start working on together right now. Let them focus on support for political prisoners, cultural diplomacy, mobility, residence legalization, education, and accountability for the regime. We must look for solutions together and not wait for ideal conditions because they will never come.
We don’t need to despair or look for excuses. We just need to act – create new communities, build new connections, spread Belarusian culture, support each other, share ideas, and pass on experience”.
