Volozhin Region
Executive Committee

The Oval Hall of the Government House, which is hosting the large-scale national forum “Woman and the future of the countryside” today, has gathered those who strive to make life in rural areas brighter, more interesting and more comfortable, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Igor Sergeyenko said during the opening of the forum in Minsk on 3 March, BelTA has learned.

“This is not just a meeting. It is a dialogue about the future, about preserving the heart of our country – rural territories,” the speaker noted, welcoming representatives of 118 districts of the country.

Igor Sergeyenko pointed out that every woman at the forum has her own interesting life, family history, and unique experience. Some have traded the city’s pace for life in the countryside. There are also mothers of large families among the participants, many of whom have received state and ministerial awards.

“Despite your various backgrounds, you are united by one thing – love for our country and your homeland, and the desire to make life in the village brighter, more interesting, and more comfortable,” Igor Sergeyenko stated.

The speaker noted that in rural areas, it is women who keep the agricultural sector, education, healthcare, culture, trade, and village executive committees running. The committees also handle administrative and organizational matters in villages.

“Working in various fields, you are deeply immersed in the local issues, you see the problems and perfectly understand that the sustainable development of our country depends on every person. The pace for the years ahead is set: it is a time for concrete action. From each of you in your workplace,” Igor Sergeyenko added.

Addressing the forum participants, the speaker emphasized that they have much to offer the state and society. “You are active people capable of uniting society, finding a balance between traditions and innovations, developing initiatives born from the land itself, and, most importantly, implementing them for the benefit of the country,” he said.

The chairman of the House of Representatives also noted the role of rural women in history, pointing out that it changed dramatically after the October Revolution. The role of women expanded beyond the household; she became an active participant in social and political life, collectivization, and production.

During the Great Patriotic War, women replaced men who had gone to the front: they ploughed the land, sowed, harvested crops, and worked on tractors and farms. Hundreds of thousands of women showed heroism by participating in the partisan movement and underground resistance, fighting the enemy at the front alongside men. Women played a crucial role in the post-war reconstruction of the countryside.

“Today, no professional goal is beyond your reach. Belarusian women make up more than half of the employed population. Our compatriots are proving their leadership potential every day. In the House of Representatives alone, women hold more than 35% of the seats, which is higher than the global average,” the chairman of the House of Representatives noted.

Overall, the share of women in leadership positions in Belarus holds steady at a parity level of 50%, the speaker added.

The chairman of the House of Representatives then referred to the words of the head of state. He emphasized that Aleksandr Lukashenko has repeatedly noted that rural development is not a matter of convenience or fashion, but the foundation of the state’s stability. “Our roots – both spiritual and material – are in the village,” the president stressed. “A Belarusian’s sense of stability and confidence in themselves and their future stems from an unbreakable bond with their native place. The village is more than a piece of land – it is a civilization in its own right. Our own Belarusian civilization.”

“Hence the task for the entire vertical of power and civil society is to create conditions where living and working in agrotowns and other small settlements will be comfortable, promising, and worthwhile,” Igor Sergeyenko noted. “The social and economic development program for the current five-year period places special emphasis on equalizing the economic potential of regions and eliminating demographic, personnel, and infrastructure imbalances. Put simply, the key goal is to make the very idea of a ‘remote rural backwater’ vanish from the Belarusian vocabulary within the foreseeable future.”

The speaker stressed that professional career opportunities and living conditions in all corners of the country should be no worse – and perhaps even better – than in large cities. That is why the theme of the village was raised at the Belarusian People’s Congress, around which the understanding of the nation’s future is now being built – from the economy and food security to the development of human potential and the preservation of national identity.

The forum is organized in accordance with the national action plan for the Year of the Belarusian Woman 2026. The event organizer is the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus with the support of the regional executive committees and the Ministry of Culture.

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There is no development without science, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he appointed new deputy chairmen of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, BelTA has learned.

“I will not speak about science. Much has already been said. There is no development without science. As for our science, I won’t say that we are stagnating from a scientific point of view. But what science has given us so far, especially for applied fields, is extremely insufficient. You know this very well,” the head of state said. “We need to shake up the Academy of Sciences. I have also spoken about this. For this purpose, a relatively young, active person who understands what is required of him has been sent there [Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences Vladimir Karanik].”

“But one man is not an army. He was tasked with finding people like you - young, yet experienced, whom he can rely on. Together and forward!” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

As BelTA has reported, Vitaly Zalessky has been appointed First Deputy Chairman of the NASB Presidium. Until now, he served as Director of the Physical and Technical Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

Aleksei Trukhanov has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the NASB Presidium. Previously, he held the position of academic secretary of the Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

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В Минской области с 2 по 6 марта пройдут специализированные ярмарки вакансий для женщин. Об этом БЕЛТА сообщили в комитете по труду, занятости и соцзащите Минского облисполкома.

В целях поддержки права женщины на труд в рамках реализации указа от 1 января 2026 года №1 «Об объявлении 2026 года Годом белорусской женщины» во всех регионах Минской области в период с 2 по 6 марта пройдут специализированные ярмарки вакансий «Женщина в мире возможностей» с участием потенциальных работодателей.

«Ярмарки приглашают посетить представительниц разных возрастов и жизненных ситуаций — тех, кто ищет работу, возвращается после перерыва или хочет узнать о возможностях обучения и поддержки. В ярмарках примут участие работодатели сферы жилищно-коммунального хозяйства, торговли, здравоохранения, промышленности и других. Для посетителей это прекрасная возможность задать вопросы напрямую и узнать об условиях труда без посредников», — сообщили в комитете.

Кроме информации об имеющихся у нанимателей региона вакансиях, будет организовано консультирование по вопросам поиска работы и трудоустройства, законодательства о труде и занятости, возможности направления на бесплатное обучение и переподготовку, а также помощи в открытии собственного дела с финансовой поддержкой, назначения и использования средств семейного капитала, гарантий в сфере оплаты труда и выплаты пенсий работающим пенсионерам, компенсаций при работе во вредных и опасных условиях, прав родителей, воспитывающих детей.

В некоторых районах для посетителей предусмотрена возможность бесплатно измерить артериальное давление и уровень глюкозы, пройти мастер классы у ремесленников, получить консультацию психолога.

Источник

Belarusian scientists may take part in research on rare earth metals in the Arctic, Governor of Russia’s Murmansk Oblast Andrei Chibis told journalists following his meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 2 March, BelTA has learned.

“Kola Peninsula contains almost 80% of the periodic table. This is what is already known, but research continues. In this sense, the rare earth metals and mineral resources found in the Arctic, primarily on the Kola Peninsula, are also a potential area for joint projects [between Belarus and Murmansk Oblast],” Andrei Chibis said.

The governor also has a meeting scheduled with the leadership of the National Academy of Sciences during his visit to Belarus. According to him, one of the topics to be discussed with Belarusian scientists will be potential cooperation in this area. “This is one of the possible prospects for cooperation: to develop new technologies that would allow for more efficient extraction of mineral resources, without which neither today’s economy nor the economy of future generations is possible,” he noted.

Written by belta.by

The memory of the Great Victory must be cherished and in no case discarded, as some states are trying to do, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said during the meeting with Governor of Russia’s Murmansk Oblast Andrei Chibis on 2 February, BelTA has learned.

The president emphasized the shared historical past of Belarus and Murmansk Oblast, including their role during the Great Patriotic War. He noted that classic Belarusian writer Ivan Shamyakin fought in that northern Russian region during the war. “This shows that we have, and have always had, people who connect us. And very strongly,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.

The head of state also drew attention to Murmansk’s significant role, which during the Great Patriotic War became a gateway for the defense of the common Fatherland, the Soviet Union. Through this port, essential equipment and military supplies were delivered. “It is thanks in part to this that Murmansk was covered in unfading glory. Many people died there, but the northerners fought with dignity to bring us to the Victory we celebrated in May 1945,” the Belarusian leader said.

“Just like Belarus, you suffered and endured a lot from that war. And this is our common Victory. We must honor it and under no circumstances forget it,” he emphasized.

“When I hear certain statements from the Baltic states or Ukraine (calls to demolish or destroy monuments, to deny what the Great Patriotic War means to us) I can’t help but think in simple human terms: why cast the dignity of your own people aside?” Aleksandr Lukashenko said rhetorically. “Why are you doing this? This is something to be proud of.”

The president also noted the shared and close ties between Belarus and the Russian region in the more recent past, during the Soviet era. “We never drew a line between Murmansk Oblast and Belarus, especially when it comes to the Navy. Both in the Baltic and in your region, young men from Belarus served. And they are proud of it,” the head of state said.

Andrei Chibis, in turn, thanked the president for the opportunity to hold a meeting, which took place after a major event dedicated to the development of the Belarus-Russia Union State. He also expressed special gratitude for praising the role of Murmansk and the whole region during the Great Patriotic War. “Indeed, from the moment it emerged in the early 20th century and to this day, the city has held significant strategic importance. During the Great Patriotic War, thanks to the northern convoys, we were able to bring our common Victory closer – the Victory remembered and honored both in Russia and in Belarus. Thank you very much for that,” the governor said.

“Today, given what is happening in the world, the city of Murmansk, a deep-water, ice-free port and a key hub of the Northern Sea Route, is becoming even more important for our country, our partners, and our friends,” he emphasized.

Written by belta.by

Every period in the history of independent Belarus can be considered a turning point. Even if it was, by global standards, a perfectly ordinary year. By building relationships with global players and neighboring countries, and by balancing between domestic challenges and major international projects, the young country has successfully demonstrated that its commitment to a sovereign future and a multi-vector foreign policy is not merely a lofty slogan, but a practical strategy for the nation's survival and development. In a new episode of BelTA's YouTube project “How it Was” we go back to 2017. It was a year when Belarus put forward bold initiatives and unexpected solutions, opening itself to the world in a new way. A year when Aleksandr Lukashenko, speaking against freeloading, faced provocations and once again rebuffed the attempts to destabilize the situation in Belarus. A year when the country made breakthroughs in industry, thereby fulfilling the dreams of the head of state. Do you want to know how it was? Let’s dive in.

Why Belarus launched visa waiver

Belarus started 2017 on a positive note. In January, a presidential decree introduced a five-day visa-waiver for citizens of 80 countries. The document was in development for over a year and a half and was thoroughly vetted by all government agencies, primarily from the perspective of potential risks to the country and its allies. However, it appeared that not all neighboring countries were pleased with this decision by the Belarusian side.

“This media campaign, I don't know... Sometimes you read the comments by these authors and you're just astonished. These are the people who either don't understand the essence of the matter whatsoever or are deliberately stirring up tensions. The visa waiver does not mean the abolition of control. Border control remains in place. You will definitely be checked: who you are. Therefore, this outcry from some of our neighboring states is simply an attempt by certain forces to express their dissatisfaction. We have not violated anything in terms of our domestic legislation. It is our sovereign right to allow citizens of other countries to enter and exit the country. And we have not breached any of our agreements with other states. We strictly adhere to everything we have agreed upon,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he approved the border security documents.

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Senya the raccoon, who became famous after his unusual arrival from the USA inside a shipping car container, is now adapting to life at the animal park in Baranovichi, BelTA has learned.

Senya’s story touched many Belarusians, who continue to follow how his new life is unfolding. At first, the foreign guest was kept in quarantine at the Oshmyany District Veterinary Station, after which he moved to the Baranovichi animal park. He was placed in a spacious enclosure, fed various delicacies, and even received official documents: the former “illegal traveler” was issued a Belarusian passport, making him officially one of “ours”.

“Senya is a wild raccoon, so he is very cautious. The journey he went through would be a major stress for any animal. He needs time to adapt to new conditions. When a person enters the enclosure, Senya tries to hide. But we are doing everything possible to help him get used to people and stop seeing them as a threat,” the park staff said.

When no one is around, the raccoon behaves calmly. He comes out of his shelter, explores the enclosure, walks around, and eats. “We try to create the most comfortable conditions for him, following his routine and dietary habits. Raccoons are predators: they usually eat raw meat. But for some reason, Senya prefers cooked meat. So we adjust to his new food preferences,” specialists explained. “We hope that very soon Senya will get used to people, feel safe and relaxed in the park, and that we will even be able to place him on display with other raccoons.”

The Baranovichi animal park is among the three most visited tourist attractions in Brest Oblast.

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On the evening of 19 February, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation, during which they discussed in greater detail the upcoming meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, BelTA learned from the Belarusian president’s press service.

“Indeed, the heads of state had a telephone conversation the previous evening. During the call, the presidents further addressed issues to be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the Supreme State Council that will be held in Moscow next week. Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin compared notes on the agenda of the upcoming event and the most pressing topics to be discussed both in a broad format and during a one-on-one meeting. Several issues of Belarusian-Russian relations were also raised during the conversation,” the press service stated.

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Employees of the Ozery agricultural enterprise continue to daily feed the bison inhabiting the territory of the national landscape reserve in Grodno District, gamekeeper Aleksei Vrublevsky told BelTA.

According to Aleksei Vrublevsky, the bison (of which there are about 500 in the reserve) are weathering the low temperatures calmly. Human care helps. “When there is food, the animals’ heat exchange functions. If they are full, they are warm. And it doesn’t matter to them how hard the frost is,” said the gamekeeper.

Employees lay out feed at 20 special sites. This process begins long before the cold weather sets in. For example, in August, after the harvest, wild animals are offered seed cleanings. Year-round, salt licks are put out for them, needed to replenish micronutrients after bison calving, and for deer, for example, to support antler growth. With the arrival of cold weather, the menu is supplemented with other treats loved not only by bison but also by other wild inhabitants. Silage, beets, apples, and hay are laid out for the animals. Feed is gradually delivered to different sites. Incidentally, during the season, the animals consume 50 tonnes of hay, 50 tonnes of apple waste, 5 tonnes of salt, about 80 tonnes of seed cleanings, and nearly 500 tonnes of haylage. “An animal won’t be cold if it’s full,” Aleksei Vrublevsky said.

“The bison aren’t completely trusting, of course. They become wary. But, for instance, they already know the sound of the vehicle that brings the feed. And before the tractor has even driven away, they are already standing ready to come out and eat. If they sense danger somewhere, they move aside and run into the forest. But eventually, they come out anyway,” the gamekeeper said.

According to Aleksei Vrublevsky, specialists also adjust the amount of feed depending on the size of the herd that has taken a liking to a site. “Right now, for example, a large herd has arrived, about 200-250 heads, bunched together. And one tractor trailer, which holds 4-5 tonnes, is a bit little for this herd. So sometimes we take out even two trailers of feed to one site in a day to make sure they have enough,” he explained. “If the animal is full, it won’t freeze, which means less mortality among the young.”

Specialists say the bison will keep coming to the feeding sites until the snow melts. “They will continue to come to the sites for now. But as soon as the grass appears, when it gets warm, this need will disappear, and they will start feeding in the forest,” Aleksei Vrublevsky said. Incidentally, they also use a distraction tactic here, sowing special fields with winter crops to keep the animals from encroaching on the enterprise’s crops or heading toward the road.

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On 18 February, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko heard a report from State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus Aleksandr Volfovich on the progress of a large-scale inspection of the Armed Forces’ combat readiness conducted by order of the head of state, BelTA has learned.

The head of state was informed about the completion of the second stage, which assessed the combat readiness of most military units across nearly all branches of the Armed Forces, including special operations forces. Control exercises were conducted at training grounds focusing on firearms and physical training, which the president had emphasized as a priority.

During the combat readiness inspection, units of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs acted as a simulated enemy. The president was given a preliminary assessment of how the Armed Forces and Internal Troops personnel performed and how professionally they accomplished their assigned tasks.

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