Today, May 2, the 5th Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora concluded in Warsaw. Over the course of two days, participants discussed shared challenges, exchanged experiences, and explored practical solutions for Belarusians abroad.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered closing remarks, thanking the Belarusian community for its unity, mutual support, and readiness to continue working together.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Dear Belarusians,
This is the fifth time we are holding the Conference of the Belarusian Diaspora, and each one is better than the last. This was probably the largest conference we’ve ever organized. I’m especially glad to see those who joined us for the first time.
But what impressed me was not only the scale but also the quality and level of preparation. Today’s group work and yesterday’s pitch session of successful projects were truly outstanding.
We heard so many great ideas — what we need to do now is scale them. From the Spanish community, we learned how to secure recognition of expired passports. From the Slovenian community — how to open bank accounts. From the Georgian community — how to navigate politically challenging environments.
We can learn from the Italian diaspora and the community in Klaipėda about cooperation with regional authorities. From the American ABA — about organizing tours and preserving traditions, even across the ocean.
From RAZAM in Germany and Belarusians in Sweden and the Czech Republic — how to build effective processes. From Uladzimir Bulauski — how to promote Belarusian culture. And from the People’s Embassies — how to communicate messages effectively to policymakers.
Across nearly all discussions, there was a clear call for better coordination. One of the outcomes of this conference will be the launch of the Krynica platform for sharing resources among organizations and initiatives. Each community will be able to share tools and ask for support. This need was voiced at the previous conference — and we have finally made it happen.
At gatherings like this, I feel a deep sense of pride in Belarusians — in our ability to organize, to achieve our goals, and to solve problems together. Much has changed over the past five years, but the energy remains. We have matured and learned a great deal.
I remember myself 5–6 years ago — I was completely new to this and learning as I went. And I learned so much from you. We have gone through this journey together: facing challenges, finding solutions, and celebrating victories.
It is from you that I draw energy, inspiration, and ideas. There were many moments when I felt at my limit — but you, your support, and your engagement helped me carry on. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it.
We are one big team. Team Belarus. We work on different fronts, each with our own talents and strengths. And when one of us weakens, there is always someone by our side to support and step in. Yes, we have victories, and we have setbacks. But we keep moving forward together — and growing together.
We will continue working with international partners to address the challenges faced by Belarusians in exile: legal status, cultural development, and education.
To do this, we must keep Belarus in international focus — and that is only possible if the democratic forces and the diaspora work together, not separately.
Let us prepare for the release of new groups of political prisoners. Whether they are deported or allowed to remain in Belarus, we must be ready to welcome them with dignity and provide support.
Let us also involve those who have already been released, regained their strength, and are ready to return to public life. I am confident they will bring new energy to our movement.
At the same time, this new situation creates certain risks: as people are released, partners may develop the illusion that the situation in Belarus is somehow normalizing and can be put aside for later.
Instead of addressing systemic problems, the status quo may remain, and the situation could simply freeze as it is. This must not be allowed.
We must strive not only for people’s release, but also for a full amnesty, a complete end to repression, and the repeal of the passport decree so that Belarusians can return home without fear.
This means more work and more challenges lie ahead. But I believe we are ready for them.
In a week, many of us will meet again in Stockholm at the Swedish-Belarusian conference dedicated to Belarusian youth. In three weeks, on May 21–22, we will gather in Vilnius for the Congress on Political Prisoners. And in early June, we will meet at the Kościuszko Forum in Gdańsk, which we are organizing in partnership with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Poland on Constitution Day, May 3. It is the first constitution in Europe and part of our shared history. It reminds us that Belarusians are an integral part of Europe — its history and its future.
And now, when our independence is under threat, when there is a risk of Belarus being drawn even deeper into the war, we must speak about this and remind others:
Belarus is not Lukashenka. Belarus is not Russia.
We must also be the voice of those Belarusians who remain inside the country.
Dear friends,
In closing, let me thank each and every one of you.
First of all, our Office team for the excellent organization. Thank you!
To the People’s Embassies, the Representation for National Revival of the United Transitional Cabinet, Belsat, NEXTA, SDBP, the Try Slany platform, and the Missions of the Democratic Forces in the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Ukraine — thank you for your support in organizing this event.
To all participants, including the Belarusian Cultural Center in Białystok, the Tutaka Foundation, the Association of Belarusians in America, Aksiarodak in Batumi, Razam Germany, Belarusians of Sweden, the Belarusian diaspora of Łódź and Klaipėda, and the Belarusian Diaspora Association in Poland — thank you.
Thank you to the volunteers, interpreters, journalists, partners, and diplomats who spent these days with us.
This conference was truly built together — everyone contributed their part to a shared cause. This principle lies at the heart of our movement. And it is exactly what makes us so strong.
I wish you a peaceful weekend, a safe journey home, and both big and small victories ahead for all of us.
Glory to Ukraine! Long Live Belarus!”
