On May 11, the Youth, Gender, and Democracy for Belarus Forum opened in Stockholm. The program includes panel discussions and working groups focused on youth participation, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and practical tools for developing youth initiatives and cooperation.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya delivered opening remarks addressed to Belarusian youth leaders, representatives of Swedish state institutions, civil society, and international organizations. Around 60 participants are taking part in the event.
In her speech, Ms. Tsikhanouskaya thanked Sweden for its support for Belarus: “Your support is not charity — it is also an investment in your own security. A peaceful, independent, democratic Belarus is in Sweden’s national interest. To achieve this, we must bring real change to Belarus — dismantle the dictatorship, hold democratic elections, and return Belarus to the European family”.
She also highlighted the role of Belarusian youth in future democratic change: “I am convinced that young Belarusians will become the driving force behind these changes. That is why we must invest in them. Belarusian youth reject tyranny. They do not want to be part of the so-called ‘Russian world’. They look to Sweden as a model — as an example of what Belarus could become.
Belarusian youth played a key role in 2020. Students went on strike, joined the protests, and fought for freedom. When the war began, young people spoke out against it. Many went to defend Ukraine — and some paid for it with their lives. Like Maryia Zaitsava, who was only 24 years old when she was killed defending Ukraine.
And today, Belarusian youth continue to resist — both inside the country and in exile. They are paying a high price: imprisonment, exile, repression. But nothing will stop them”.
The forum was organized by the Office of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the RADA Belarusian National Youth Council, and the Representation for Social Policy of the United Transitional Cabinet, with the support of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
