"National identity is the most important tool for resisting the Russian world": Tsikhanouskaya spoke at the Kościuszko Forum
Today, June 2, the Kościuszko Forum, dedicated to the role of culture and identity in times of political deadlock, is taking place in Gdańsk. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya joined the forum online, her press service reports.
Among the guests and participants of the forum are Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Artur Harazim, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk Piotr Grzelak, Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski, editor-in-chief of "Belsat" Alina Koushyk, as well as representatives of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.
From Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Office, Franak Viačorka, Senior Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Stanislava Hlinnik, Deputy Director, and Kristina Shiyanok, Director of the Office in the Czech Republic, are participating in the forum.
In her speech, Tsikhanouskaya thanked the European Solidarity Centre, the Polish authorities, and international partners for their support of Belarusian culture, political prisoners, and Belarusians in exile. She emphasized that culture today helps Belarusians maintain connections with each other and resist Russification.
"Why is supporting Belarusian culture, cultural ties, and national identity so important now?
Firstly, culture serves as a bridge between Belarusians on both sides of the border. When hundreds of thousands found themselves in exile, through language, literature, music, theater, and shared memory, we maintain contact with each other.
Secondly, national identity is the most important tool for resisting the Russian world. It is no coincidence that Russia is carrying out violent Russification, both in Belarus and in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Thirdly, culture is also an element of security. A strong national identity makes society more resilient to propaganda and attempts at external control. And finally, culture is what unites us with Europe. Belarus has historically been part of the European cultural space and common European heritage. And by supporting culture, we strengthen the European identity of Belarusian society," said Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.