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Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin has visited the Ivenets Children’s Home Kindness of Hearts ahead of New Year as part of the Our Children nationwide charity campaign, BelTA has learned.
“I have come to wish you all the best for the upcoming New Year. This institution exemplifies the state’s commitment to caring for every child. I remember my first visit here, and what struck me most was the children’s remarkable optimism. Their positive energy is truly inspiring. We have accomplished much together. With this wonderful winter weather, it feels like a real fairy tale. I sincerely congratulate you and wish you happiness, wellbeing for your families, and that all your dreams come true,” Aleksandr Turchin said.
As part of the visit, the children received gifts, including computers and sweets.
The celebration’s sound engineer was children’s home resident Matvei Burenkov. He shared his love for the New Year season, which he looks forward to starting from autumn. “The holiday lights and the glow of the New Year tree fill me with joy. We receive guests who bring sweets, and we write letters to Father Frost. I also wanted to buy a New Year tree, I worked in the greenhouse and earned money for it,” he said.
Deputy Director of the children’s home Anastasia Zenko highlighted a key recent achievement: the opening of a rehabilitation and habilitation department. “We now accept children not only for permanent residence but also for 27-day rehabilitation courses. Children live at home with their parents but come to us for comprehensive social, medical, and psychological support. This is a vital development, offering additional rehabilitation to more children and helping our permanent residents broaden their social connections,” she said.
The Ivenets Children’s Home Kindness of Hearts has been operating since 1962. Its new rehabilitation department, opened on 1 October 2024, has already provided comprehensive psychological, pedagogical, and social adaptation services to 286 children with disabilities and 118 parents. The home currently has 38 resident children with disabilities, including nine wheelchair users, with an average age of 15.
The facility is fitted with modern medical equipment and provides a full spectrum of medical care, including prevention, in-depth examination, consultation, treatment, and health improvement.
Plans are underway to establish a rehabilitation and habilitation center for children with nervous system and musculoskeletal disorders from Minsk Oblast on the institution’s premises. The center is scheduled to open on 1 June 2026.
On 30 December Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed an order to assign Grants of the President of the Republic of Belarus for 2026 to 42 specialists engaged in science, education, healthcare, culture and youth policy, the press service of the Belarusian leader told BelTA.
State support will be used to implement projects that are crucial for advancing state programs, scientific priorities, and key areas of social and economic development of the Republic of Belarus.
The order is designed to support projects in science, education, innovation, creativity, and youth initiatives. It will facilitate the development of new educational resources, advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques, and public and cultural activities in the country.
Grants of the President of the Republic of Belarus have been awarded annually since 2013. These grants are provided on a competitive basis. The selection criteria include a project’s importance to the economy and social welfare, the scope of its practical application, its economic impact, and its level of public recognition.
The government has approved the Ecology state program for 2026-2030. The corresponding resolution was signed by Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin on 30 December, the press service of the Belarusian government told BelTA.
The goals of the state program are to improve the quality of environmental protection and ensure rational natural resource management.
The state program comprises six subprograms aimed at implementing a number of tasks and achieving target indicators. For instance, the Hydrometeorology and Climate subprogram is designed to improve the quality of hydrometeorological observations, regulate climate impacts, and enhance water resource management, with the following target indicators by 2030: increase in the accuracy of short-term weather forecasts by region – 97.75%; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (compared to the 1990 level) – 37%; change in the area of water-related ecosystems (compared to the 2017 level) – 30%.
The Persistent Organic Pollutants subprogram focuses on fulfilling obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, particularly, on decommissioning of equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls, achieving a 100% rate compared to the 2025 level.
The Biological and Landscape Diversity subprogram is aimed at increasing the proportion of protected natural areas in the country’s total area to 9.4%.
The Environmental Protection subprogram involves ensuring sustainable nature management, with the following target indicators: increase in the share of periods with very good, good, and moderate air quality combined per year – 93%; increase in the share of water bodies with good water quality – 80%.
The Ecology of Regions subprogram aims to ensure environmental safety, with the focus on maintaining the index of insufficiently treated wastewater discharge into water bodies at 30% compared to the 2015 level; maintaining surface water bodies in proper condition and their improvement; performing liquidation plugging of decommissioned water wells not subject to further use, 90% out of the total number of such wells as of 1 January of the respective year.
Furthermore, Target 99 envisages maximizing the involvement of municipal waste in economic circulation (target indicator: level of municipal solid waste utilization – 70%) and reducing the negative environmental impact of waste.
The funding volume for the state program is Br1.616 billion.
Every country draws strength from its traditions, and in Belarus, one long-standing, excellent tradition is to congratulate children on the New Year holidays, including as part of the Our Children campaign, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a New Year’s charity event held at the Palace of the Republic, BelTA has learned.
“A country is always strong through traditions. If there are traditions, it means there is a country. It means this country has a certain special quality,” the president stressed. It is precisely the existence of such traditions that distinguishes Belarus from other countries, Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed out.
“A very good tradition was born here long ago, which is to greet you, little ones, adults, your teachers, caregivers, parents -everyone who has small children and everyone involved in raising children during these Christmas and New Year holidays. It is a good tradition to congratulate our children, to meet with our children. Especially those who are in very, very great need. Although there are no children in our country, or in the world, who do not need attention and gifts.”
In this regard, the president expressed special gratitude to everyone who contributes each year to making this charity event for children possible. “I want to thank our adults,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. “Thank you for the attention you give to our children during these New Year holidays.”
The head of state specifically noted the joyful atmosphere in the hall: "One can hear from a kilometer away from the Palace of the Republic that you are having fun here.” The good mood, he said, is also explained by the fact that children in the country are currently enjoying a “double” holiday: on one hand, everyone is seeing off the old year and awaiting the arrival of the new one, 2026, and on the other, students have finally reached the pleasant, school-free time of winter break. “Therefore, it’s a double holiday: New Year and school holidays,” the president said.
“Father Frost and Snow Maiden have already pleased us with snow and a bit of frost. They promise it will get even frostier, and we will probably be able to celebrate the New Year this year, truly, like never before. Snow and frost at this time mean good cheer. I see that you have plenty of that,” remarked the head of state.
The large-scale exhibition My Belarus continues its work at the Minsk International Exhibition Center. BelTA found out what the country offers tourists to see.
One of the central themes of the project is tourism. Each region has presented its most iconic landmarks, traditional crafts, industrial tours, and various types of recreation - from eco-tourism to wellness tourism.
The Brest Oblast pavilion features a scaled-down replica of the main entrance to the Brest Fortress in the form of a star with a multimedia screen at its center. The Granit enterprise is among the industrial tourism sites. The Mikashevichi quarry is the largest deposit of construction stone in Belarus and one of the largest in Europe. The main attraction is not its size but the waterfalls cascading down rocky steps. The enterprise is visited by about 11,000 tourists annually.
“We have developed seven different tours. We invite you to discover the unusual landscape, the technological process, visit the observation deck and the equipment exhibition. You can learn more about the profession of a walking excavator operator and take a ride in a BelAZ truck. An updated museum will open soon. We also organize photo sessions,” Aleksandra Pavlusevich, a guide for the enterprise, said.
The Animal Park has prepared an interesting attraction. This popular tourist complex, which is among the top three most visited tourist sites in the region, brought its furry residents to the exhibition.
The Khovanshchina Memorial Site surprised guests with a huge Christmas tree, where both children and adults were greeted by a partisan-style Father Frost with a beard made of oakum. As explained by staff from the Ivatsevichi Historical and Cultural Museum, Khovanshchina is a partisan land where everything is preserved to help visitors feel how underground Belarus lived and fought. Last year, the complex was visited by over 41,000 people, mostly guests from Russia. Tourists also came from Lithuania, Poland, Kazakhstan, and other countries.
Vitebsk Oblast has focused its presentation on memorabilia from the Slavianski Bazaar, the legacy of Marc Chagall, and Orthodox shrines. Visitors can see life-sized replicas of local art installations: the Polite Streetlamp ready for a handshake, a mosaic bench, and a miniature model of the ancient city. Modern art and the region’s brand – carpets - are also on display.
“We explain what there is to see in the region and suggest various vacation options. We also present our festivals and natural sites. For example, the Yelnya Landscape Reserve is located in Miory District and Sharkovshchina District, and is a popular destination for tourists. Numerous farm stays operate there,” said Oksana Filipenok, a representative of the region’s tourism sector.
Grodno Oblast has showcased models of the Lida, Novogrudok, Grodno, and Mir castles, the Augustow Canal, landmarks of Volkovysk District, the recently renovated bridge in the town of Mosty, the Holy Dormition Zhirovichi Monastery, and other holy sites. Visitors can see artifacts from archaeological excavations and an exhibition of glass art from the Neman Glassworks.
The Minsk Oblast’s space is divided into two zones. One is dedicated to architecture and cultural heritage, the other to innovation. An interactive LED screen shows videos about the region’s spiritual sites and tourism highlights. Exhibits include a gallery of models titled Multi-Confessional Minsk Oblast, a fragment of a Slutsk sash, a Belarusian duda (bagpipe), and Ivenets ceramics. Each item is accompanied by a QR code.
Thanks to VR stations, visitors can take a virtual journey to medieval Volozhin and ancient Zaslavl. They can also see a rotating display case with a model of a multi-tonne BelAZ truck and test a training simulator from the Belaruskali railway car. The Nesvizh Museum-Reserve introduces guests to its new services and tours.
The Belarusian capital Minsk has presented itself through education, urban culture, creativity, and youth initiatives. Guests can participate in workshops and see costumes, props, and set pieces from the Belarusian films Homeroom Teacher and Turning Point. The city’s identity is revealed through models of its iconic landmarks and artistic projects. The display includes models of the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War, Victory Square, and the Trostenets Memorial Complex.
Gomel Oblast and Mogilev Oblast have showcased the richness of folk traditions, highlighted key landmarks, and presented rituals and holidays, including the Kupala Night festival in Alexandria. Central to their exhibits are models of the Gomel Circus and the palace and park ensemble in Zhilichi. The recently opened Mogilev Oblast Glory Museum is also on display.
The entire exhibition is designed as a grand journey across the country. All stands are unified by a common visual style - Belarusian vytinanka, the traditional art of paper cutting, which was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. Interactive stands dedicated to natural beauty are on show. Ecological installations allow visitors to feel the atmosphere of Belarusian nature and listen to birdsong.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on his birthday, BelTA learned from the Belarusian leader’s press service.
In his message, Aleksandr Lukashenko stated: “I am sure you mark your birthday this year with a unique sense of fulfillment. Thanks to your political wisdom and strong will, the Republic of Azerbaijan is confidently enhancing its international standing and achieving its goals.”
The head of state emphasized that Belarus attaches particular importance to its strategic partnership with Azerbaijan and to the progressive development of interstate cooperation across various fields.
“I value our contacts, mutual trust and support in multilateral forums, as well as your attention to deepening the Belarus-Azerbaijan dialogue at all levels,” the president added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko wished Ilham Aliyev good health, happiness, and further achievements for the benefit of the Azerbaijani people.
The From Heart to Heart New Year’s charity campaign has officially started at the Minsk City Community Center, BelTA has learned.
More than 650 people attended the opening ceremony. A big concert was prepared for them, featuring popular Belarusian performers, with a repertoire focused on nostalgic songs.
Svetlana Kavetskaya, one of the participants, noted that this was her first time attending the event. “Now that I no longer work, I want to connect with people and feel the holiday spirit,” she said. She added that she is glad for the opportunity to participate in such events, as it allows her to better experience the festive atmosphere.
Nina Komik attended the opening ceremony with her friend Maria Shelest. The friends shared that they have known each other since childhood and frequently attend cultural events. “Just yesterday we were at the theater, and today we are at the opening ceremony of this campaign,” said Maria. She also noted: “This is not my first time taking part in the From Heart to Heart campaign. Last year, thanks to this campaign, I visited the Bolshoi Theater and saw the ballet The Nutcracker.”
The friends expressed their delight at the substantial attention being given to the older generation in the country. “It’s wonderful. Now we have a life of freedom, as our children have grown, our grandchildren can also do without us. We are free from work, we have ample time, and we can truly afford to relax,” emphasized Nina Komik.
The opening ceremony was hosted by Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalya Pavlyuchenko. She noted that the unity between the older and younger generations is especially felt during these days.
Minsk Deputy Mayor Andrei Strigelsky added that Minsk is home to more than 100,000 people with disabilities and over 300,000 elderly individuals. “They look forward to this campaign which goal is to provide attention, care, and support to those who need it most. Numerous activities are planned as part of the campaign: we will visit care homes and local social service centers. A wide range of organizations and enterprises has responded to our call, offering their assistance to the elderly in recognition of their invaluable labor. This is our asset, and we understand that it is these people who have made a significant contribution to making our country what it is today. They labored in our factories and plants, building the foundation of our Belarus. It is now our solemn duty to care for them, to offer our utmost attention, and to extend our heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year,” he said.
The From Heart to Heart campaign started in Belarus on 23 December and will run until 14 January. It will reach more than 1.6 million people aged 65 and older living in the country. More than 27,000 senior citizens and volunteers are expected to participate. 
While appointing new heads of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Investigative Committee, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko tasked them with continuing to prevent any “revolutionary” attempts to undermine the existing state order, BelTA has learned.
“This concerns both of you: there must be no ‘revolutionary’ attempts against the existing state system. There are elections for that. One should take part in elections and solve these problems. Belarus has everything for it. Especially given that the current president, as I often say, is not holding onto power with a death grip,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.“I am on my way out. This statement has provoked some reaction [the president recently made this remark at the Belarusian People’s Congress]. Some are worried, some are happy about it. This does not mean that tomorrow we will drop everything, me included, and leave. But it is clear that I am no longer the same person who is in his first or second year as president,” the head of state noted.
As part of the Our Children charity campaign, State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Aleksandr Volfovich visited the Volkovysk District Center for Special Education and Rehabilitation on 23 December, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Volfovich, together with staff from the State Secretariat of the Security Council, congratulated the children on the upcoming New Year and presented them with equipment for learning and rehabilitation, household appliances, and sweet treats.
“The New Year is perhaps the most anticipated holiday for children,” Aleksandr Volfovich told the media. “Remember how in childhood we would dance in circles around the Christmas tree and eagerly wait for Father Frost and the Snow Maiden to bring us gifts. Even as adults, on the eve of the New Year, many continue to believe in a miracle that is sure to happen. One only needs to believe in it very strongly.”
The state secretary of the Security Council pointed out that by participating annually in the Our Children campaign, he becomes increasingly convinced of how important it is not just for the children. “This noble cause is also necessary for you and me. After all, taking part in the campaign helps us become kinder, reminding us that somewhere there are people who need our support. If we can help them in any way, we certainly should,” Aleksandr Volfovich emphasized.
The working visit of Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko to Russia continued with an informal meeting of the heads of state of the Commonwealth of Independent States in St. Petersburg, BelTA has learned.
The CIS leaders met at the Hermitage. It is one of the world’s largest museums, housing over 3 million cultural artifacts from various countries and nations. The collection includes paintings and graphics, sculptures, coins and medals, and archaeological materials. The Hermitage’s exhibits are displayed in more than 500 halls covering an area of approximately 100,000 square meters.
