MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) – The international cultural and educational forum Children of the Commonwealth should be continued and expanded each year to include more participants, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova said at the meeting of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, BelTA has learned.
“I am convinced that the Children of the Commonwealth project, which fosters future generations in the spirit of good-neighborliness and mutual understanding, respect for traditions and each other’s interests, must be continued, welcoming more talented, energetic, and motivated representatives of international youth every year,” Natalya Kochanova stated.
She noted that in 2025 Belarus hosted the anniversary edition of the international cultural and educational forum Children of the Commonwealth for the first time, bringing together 80 schoolchildren from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. According to the speaker, it was highly significant that this landmark cultural and educational project was held on Belarusian soil.
In this context, Natalya Kochanova recalled the words of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko: “Modern Belarus stands as a monument to that terrible war, to those who perished, were tortured, and burned. A living memory and a living monument.”
“Our country was the first to withstand the crushing blow of the Wehrmacht divisions, carrying on its shoulders the immense burden of losses and destruction. The war lasted 1,132 days on Belarusian soil. Every third Belarusian perished, thousands of towns and villages were destroyed and burned. Every centimeter of land is steeped in the blood of its people and Soviet soldiers,” the speaker emphasized.
The chairperson emphasized the symbolism of launching the Children of the Commonwealth forum at the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War. There, participants explored an exhibition that immersed them in the atmosphere and events of those tragic years, leaving unforgettable impressions of the resilience and unity of the Soviet people during wartime.
According to Natalya Kochanova, the participants also visited the Khatyn memorial complex, a symbol of national tragedy and eternal mourning. This site became a living testament to the courage and unbreakable spirit of the Belarusian people for the young participants. The main program of the forum was held at the National Children's Educational and Health Center Zubrenok.
Each day of the forum highlighted the traditions and customs of a participating country. The students shared their unique cultures and national pride, presented folk costumes, explored ancient rituals and symbols, prepared and sampled traditional dishes, and created handmade souvenirs. Ambassadors and representatives of the participating states also joined these activities.
“The program featured dozens of workshops, engaging tours, creative competitions, sports events, and inspiring meetings. The students had a unique opportunity to meet members of the Council of the Republic, ministers of education, healthcare, sport and tourism, the chairman of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, rectors of leading universities, distinguished Belarusian athletes, and leaders of youth organizations,” Natalya Kochanova reported.
On the final day of the forum, a substantive and sincere dialogue took place in the Council of the Republic, during which the young participants openly shared their unforgettable impressions of their stay in Belarus, exchanged views on the importance of preserving memory and truth about the events of the Great Patriotic War, and stressed the significance of peace-oriented policies and good-neighborly relations among nations.
“I saw the genuine, heartfelt interest of the young people in communicating with their peers from different countries. I am convinced that the young representatives of the CIS countries will preserve the friendship born on Belarusian soil for many years to come,” the speaker concluded.
Photos by Khovar, BelTA
Photos by Khovar, BelTA
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