Civilizational choice and future of Belarus discussed in Minsk

On 18th September, a round table “Civil Society Advocating Civilizational and Cultural Identity of Belarus” took place in Minsk.

The event was held by the Assembly of NGOs to sound its opinion about the mission of the independent civil society of Belarus in the times of unrest in the neighboring country, Ukraine.

Linguists and civil leaders Vinchuk Viachorka, Piotr Sadouski and Alena Anisim, human rights defender Ales Bialiatski dwelled on the situation with Belarusan language and language rights in Belarus. Teacher and civil activist Tamara Matskevich talked about education and formation of values of the young generation, culture expert Vaclau Areska spoke about cultural differences of the Belarusan and Russian mentality; ARCHE editor Valera Bulhakau analyzed effectiveness of cultural NGOs’ activities; historian Iryna Laurouskaja delivered speech about Belarusan identity and urbanistic landscape; musician Aleh Chamienka dwelled on axiological approach to national security.

Apart from that, presentations of the most successful actions in the frames of “Let’s Make IT Better!” campaign were made.

As the organizers of the round table stressed that recently the Belarusan civil sector have focused on advocating Belarusan national idea and identity, while the authorities do not have it among their priorities. The round table participants noted that it is probably pointless to hope for any support from the State and only democratic and independent civil initiatives can advocate national values in times turbulent like these.

In the end of the event, the participants adopted a declaration calling upon all Belarusan civil initiatives and CSOs to unite under a common mission, “Defend What’s Yours!” The main aim of the mission is to protect national and cultural identity (including language, culture, historical memory). Also, the declaration states that Belarusan civil society sector should be responsible for self-organization of local communities, professional groups and independent initiatives.

“Assembly of NGOs calls upon all Belarusan civil society activists to support the “Defend What’s Yours!” mission and promote its values in order to save independence and revive freedom of our country,” Chair of the Assembly’s Working Group Siarhei Matskevich said, summing up the results of the round table.

Assembly of NGO’s