10. November 2023
Introduction
ABOUT BELARUS CONFERENCE
Mrs. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “The International Community should pay more attention to the situation in Belarus. It is important for the people of Belarus to be remembered and supported. The Conference is a good opportunity to once again bring focus to our country on the international level and discuss important topics for Belarus. Join us on November 10 in Tallinn.”
H.E. Margus Tsahkna: “During the conference an impressive line-up of activists and experts will share their experience standing for freedom and justice in Belarus. Join us in Tallinn on 10th November.“
The Belarus Conference is organized by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Estonian Institute of Human Rights, the European Endowment for Democracy and the leader of the Democratic Forces of Belarus.
The Belarus Conference aims to provide a space for establishing new contacts, exchange of views, opinions, and coordination. The Conference will be aimed at pro-democracy activists, politicians, experts, journalists and civil society leaders from across the region and will allow to keep Belarus on the European agenda.
The panel discussion will include topics on Media Freedom and the role of the Civil Society, Human Rights and Accountability for the regime in Belarus, as well as the Vision of Future Belarus.
The discussions will focus on the current challenges faced by the Belarus people and pro-democracy community, civil society and media in the context of consolidating authoritarianism in Belarus, as well as on the background of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
The diverse range of topics will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the country and its people, as well as foster constructive dialogue on shaping a better future.
The Conference will be headlined by the leader of the Democratic Forces of Belarus, Mrs. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Mr. Margus Tsahkna.
Speakers
Leader of Belarusian democratic forces / Leader of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus
BELARUS
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
ESTONIA
Executive Director, European Endowment for Democracy
Belgium/Poland
Board Member at Press Club Belarus and Head of International Cooperation
BELARUS
Freelance Journalist
BELARUS
Media manager, communication specialist, Zerkalo.io
BELARUS
TBD Media manager
Belarus/ Poland
EU Regional Communication Programme for the Eastern Neighbourhood, Senior Key Expert
Belgium/Ukraine
Head of the Investigative and Fact-Checking Desk, Delfi
ESTONIA
Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management
Belarus
Volunteer, Activist of the European Belarus Civil Campaign
Bealrus
Legal Advisor with DIGNITY - the Danish Institute against Torture
Denmark
Viasna Human Rights Centre
Belarus
The head of the Charity foundation "Strana dlya zhizni", coordinator of the project of assistance to political prisoners and their families
Belarus
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA
USA
Vice Speaker of the Coordination Council of Belarus and Head of the NGO *Honest people
BELARUS
UNITED TRANISTIONAL CABINET, REPRESENTATIVE FOR NATIONAL REVIVAL
BELARUS
UNITED TRANSITIONAL CABINET, REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
BELARUS
The Head of Communications for the Coordination Council of Belarus, CENTER FOR NEW IDEAS
BELARUS
Belarusian social activis and policy expert
BELARUS
Russia-West Policy Fellow at the European Leadership Network (London)
BELARUS
Special Representative to the Democratic Forces of Belarus
Estonia
Program
08:30 - 09:30
Registration
Morning Coffee
Conference Day Moderator:
Marko Koplimaa, first Estonian Special Representative to the Belarus Democratic Forces
9:30 – 10:30
Conference opening. Key note speeches, discussion
The keynote addresses will be followed by a discussion, moderated by Mr. Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director for the European Endowment of Democracy.
Speakers
Mrs. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Leader of Belarusian democratic forces/ Leader of The United Transitional Cabinet of BelarusH.E Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director, European Endowment for Democracy
10:30 – 10:45
Coffee Break
10:45 – 12:15
Media Freedom and the role of the Civil Society
This panel aims to explore the crucial role of independent media and civil society in Belarus and their potential to shape the country's future. It will examine the challenges faced by media outlets and civil society organizations in Belarus and abroad, their impact on public discourse, and strategies to strengthen their influence. The discussion will emphasize the importance of free press and active civic participation in fostering democratic values and societal progress.
Speakers
Natalia Belikova, Board Member at Press Club Belarus and Head of International CooperationHanna Liubakova, Freelance Journalist
Aleksandra Pushkina, Media Manager, communication specialist, Zerkalo.io
Anton Penkovski, TBD Media manager
Olena Malynovska, Senior Key Expert at the EU Regional Communication Programme for the Eastern Neighbourhood,
Holger Roonemaa, Head of the Investigative and Fact-Checking Desk, Delfi
12:15 - 13:00
Lunch
13:00 – 14:30
Human Rights abuses and Achieving Accountability for the Regime in Belarus
This panel will address the pressing issue of political prisoners in Belarus and explore effective strategies to secure their release. It will shed light on the current situation, highlighting the unjust detentions, human rights violations, and the need for international solidarity. The discussion will involve sharing experiences, examining legal avenues, and exploring diplomatic and advocacy initiatives to support political prisoners and promote their freedom. The panel will tackle the following questions such as state of human rights in Belarus, how the democratic world can support political prisoners, what can the international community do to enforce accountability on the regime, for the crime of aggression and the violation of human rights and what mechanisms would be best for achieving accountability.
Speakers
Pavel Latushka , Deputy Head of The United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Head of The National Anti-Crisis ManagementAndrei Sharendo, Activist of the European Belarus Civil Campaign
Natacha Bracq, Legal Advisor with DIGNITY - Danish Institute against Torture
Natallia Satsunkevich, Member of the Interim Board of the Viasna Human Rights Centre
Volha Zazuilnskaya, The head of the Charity foundation "Strana dlya zhizni", coordinator of the project of assistance to political prisoners and their families
George P. Kent, U.S. Ambassador to The Republic Of Estonia
14:30 – 15:00
Coffee Break
15:00 – 16:30
Vision of Future Belarus
This panel will envision the future of Belarus, focusing on key aspects such as democracy, culture, human rights, and socio-economic development. Participants will discuss various perspectives on shaping an inclusive Belarus, considering political, social, and economic reforms. The panel will explore ideas and strategies for building a democratic society, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.
The panelists will discuss among other issues how to move towards a free and democratic Belarus, how do the people of Belarus see their future, what is the role of the Democratic Forces to develop this vision.
Speakers
Lena Zhivoglod , Vice Speaker of the Coordination Council of Belarus and Head of the NGO Honest peopleAlina Koushyik, United Tranistional Cabinet, representative for National Revival
Anton Radniankou, Head of Communications for the Coordination Council of Belarus, Center for New Ideas
Valeri Kavaleuski, United Transitional Cabinet, representative for Foreign Affairs
Vlad Kobets, Belarusian social activis and policy expert
Katia Glod, Russia-West Policy Fellow at the European Leadership Network (London)
16:30 – 18:00
Closing Remarks and Reception
Networking
There won't be live broadcasting. The organiser reserves the right to make changes on the schedule and the presenters. By invitation.
"My beloved Belarus"
"My beloved Belarus" - drawings from the children who were forced to leave Belarus with their parents to Poland for political reasons. This competition in 2021 and 2022 was organized by the Belarusian House in Warsaw in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Embassy of Canada, the Embassy of France, the Embassy of Austria, the Embassy of Germany, and the Embassy of Sweden.
