An incredible spirit of unity. What the Vitebsk region delegations remember from the Forum of Patriotic Forces in the capital

A grand Forum of Patriotic Forces, dedicated to the Day of National Unity and organised by the Headquarters of Patriotic Forces, was held at the capital's Palace of Sports. Delegations from all regions of the country arrived, including 150 people from the Vitebsk region, led by Vyacheslav Durnov, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. The delegations comprised representatives of government bodies, political parties, public organisations, enterprises from various fields of activity, and youth.

The dialogue focused on the heroic history of our country, its challenging periods, the courage, resilience, and wisdom of the Belarusian people, national traditions, and the genetic code – the foundations of unity. Complex matters were discussed simply and honestly.

Prominent politicians, opinion leaders, and public figures acted as speakers. Mikhail Rusy, Honoured Worker of Agriculture of the Republic of Belarus and Chairman of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic for Legislation and State Building, recalled the symbolic significance of holding the holiday in the Minsk Palace of Sports. It was here that the delegates of the first All-Belarusian People's Congress in October 1996 listened to the Head of State's keynote address "with bated breath and a sense of deepest hope and confidence." It was also here that they unanimously supported the new format of the presidency, where the President of the country is the head of state, the guarantor of the Constitution and human rights.

As Mikhail Rusy admitted, he was born and raised in a village and dedicated his life to the land and the development of the agro-industrial complex.

An Honest Conversation

Tatsiana Yakubovich, Chairperson of the Belarusian Trade Union of Education and Science Workers, urged attendees to reflect on the history of their families and the country. She emphasised that thanks to unity, the Belarusian people have overcome all difficulties and challenges, and today we have a strong, prosperous country where everyone works conscientiously for results.

Unity is not born on its own but is built on trust, honest dialogue, and mutual understanding, stated Olga Chemodanova, Chairperson of the Belarusian Party "Belaya Rus". According to her, in a dynamically changing world, "when there are many challenges and threats around, the time has come to unite not by coercion, but by choice." This is the key to the peace of children, the stability and development of all spheres of activity: economy, education, science, and culture.

The hall enthusiastically welcomed Alexandra Nikiforova, mother of five children, member of the Belarusian Women's Union, and organizer of the "Beauty of Belarus" contest. She recalled that it is mothers who have always been the keepers of history, culture, language, and glorious traditions. In difficult times, "at the cradle of a baby, through a mother's song, that which makes us Belarusians was passed down."

Alexandra Nikiforova summarized: the stronger the family, the greater a woman's confidence in the future, the more stable our statehood becomes.

Much was said about how to explain to children the meaning of the holiday we celebrate on September 17, its direct connection with the country's achievements, what underlies Belarusian unity, and the importance of harmony and peace.

Among the speakers were also the First Secretary of the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, Alexander Lukyanov, political commentator, journalist of the presidential pool, Igor Tur, Chairman of the Board of the Republican State-Public Association "Belarusian Society 'Knowledge'," Vadim Gigin, Chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus, Member of the House of Representatives, Oleg Gaidukevich, and others.

A Resounding Finale

The baton of speeches from the speakers was taken up by famous Belarusian artists. Various ensembles succeeded each other on stage, performing folk songs and modern compositions. Melodious gifts were "presented" to the audience by Victoria Aleshko, the vocal-instrumental ensemble "Syabry," Yulia Bykova and Anna Blagova with their sons, and others.

An original performance of the anthem became a bright finale of the forum. The voices of the audience and artists sounded in unison.

vitebsk-region.gov.by