GOMEL, 7 May (BelTA) - Indifference is more dangerous than outright lies, Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova said during the plenary session of the Second Youth Military-Patriotic Forum in Gomel, highlighting the importance of instilling patriotism in the younger generation, BelTA has learned.
Natalya Kochanova noted the symbolic significance of holding the forum ahead of the date important to every Belarusian - the 81st anniversary of Great Victory. “Peace is a sacred gift that we must cherish and protect. Back in the 1940s, millions of people, following the call of their hearts, stood as one unbreakable wall to defend their native land. It was a voluntary patriotic surge, embodying the spirit of freedom of the Soviet people and their readiness to selflessly defend national and state interests. They fought for their homeland! The victory won in that battle is our great pride and eternal glory. For more than 80 years, we have lived under a peaceful sky. However, neo-fascism and extremism are raising their heads in many countries. Before our eyes, the world is changing rapidly. Established systems of international security are being dismantled, and pressure on sovereign states is intensifying. Venezuela, Iran, Cuba - these are just the most recent examples. In these circumstances, only the unity of the people can preserve peace and harmony in the country,” she said.
Natalya Kochanova also noted that the times demand a clear understanding of what is happening and a readiness to respond to challenges, including information aggression, efforts to erase historical memory, and the leveling of traditional values. “In this regard, indifference is no less dangerous than outright lies,” the chairperson of the Council of the Republic said.
“An indifferent person always becomes an easy target for outside influence. It’s essential to get involved in studies, sports, public life, volunteering, search movements, military-patriotic clubs, and real deeds for the good of one’s country. Dedicated, honest, proactive, and smart young people are the heart of our homeland,” added Natalya Kochanova.
The speaker reminded everyone that the Council of the Republic is actively building a system of youth parliamentarism in Belarus. For over five years, the Youth Council has been operating, bringing together representatives from all regions. Young people contribute and implement socially significant ideas, take part in the legislative process, and more. Belarusian youth have broad opportunities to join major international projects, such as the annual Children of the Commonwealth forum and summer sessions of For Safety! school. Among the landmark joint initiatives of the Council of the Republic and the Federation Council is the Memory Train project.
Key achievements include a significant surge in those wanting to join the military-patriotic movement in Belarus. For instance, 320 military-patriotic clubs operate on the bases of law enforcement agencies, engaging around 10,000 young people. “Over 1,750 kids study in nine cadet schools, with more than 70% of graduates going on to military academies. The number of students in specialized classes is growing, as is participation in youth patriotic projects and events” Natalya Kochanova said highlighting these trends.
The two-day forum will conclude with a commemorative ceremony of sealing time capsules containing soil from sites of military glory, brought from various regions and Minsk, followed by the laying of flowers at the Mound of Glory.
The forum brought together more than 300 participants from all regions of the country. The theme of the plenary session is “Patriotic education of youth - the foundation of state independence”. The event provided an opportunity for young people to meet with heads of government agencies.
The forum was initiated by the Council of the Republic. The first forum took place in Minsk in December 2025. The event brings together hundreds of young people, including members of military-patriotic clubs and organizations actively involved in fostering patriotism.
Natalya Kochanova noted the symbolic significance of holding the forum ahead of the date important to every Belarusian - the 81st anniversary of Great Victory. “Peace is a sacred gift that we must cherish and protect. Back in the 1940s, millions of people, following the call of their hearts, stood as one unbreakable wall to defend their native land. It was a voluntary patriotic surge, embodying the spirit of freedom of the Soviet people and their readiness to selflessly defend national and state interests. They fought for their homeland! The victory won in that battle is our great pride and eternal glory. For more than 80 years, we have lived under a peaceful sky. However, neo-fascism and extremism are raising their heads in many countries. Before our eyes, the world is changing rapidly. Established systems of international security are being dismantled, and pressure on sovereign states is intensifying. Venezuela, Iran, Cuba - these are just the most recent examples. In these circumstances, only the unity of the people can preserve peace and harmony in the country,” she said.
Natalya Kochanova also noted that the times demand a clear understanding of what is happening and a readiness to respond to challenges, including information aggression, efforts to erase historical memory, and the leveling of traditional values. “In this regard, indifference is no less dangerous than outright lies,” the chairperson of the Council of the Republic said.
The speaker is convinced that patriotic education of the young is the foundation of any state’s independence and sovereignty. Today, it’s not enough to just talk about patriotism. “Love for the homeland doesn’t arise from nothing. It begins in the family, at school, through personal experience, and continues in a mature civic stance and readiness to serve one’s country. It’s crucial to distinguish truth from lies, to maintain inner resilience and a firm position. After all, they’re trying to impose convenient versions of the past on us, equating liberators with executioners, erasing from young people’s minds the understanding of who brought death to our land and who brought liberation. Ill-wishers want to uproot our spiritual roots, divide the people, and thus rob us of our future. Our response is the truth, and it’s there in textbooks, museums, family archives, patriotic tours, and open conversations with veterans. Building national identity must start in childhood, literally from the first steps. Alongside the family, education plays a vital role,” she emphasized.
The speaker reminded everyone that the Council of the Republic is actively building a system of youth parliamentarism in Belarus. For over five years, the Youth Council has been operating, bringing together representatives from all regions. Young people contribute and implement socially significant ideas, take part in the legislative process, and more. Belarusian youth have broad opportunities to join major international projects, such as the annual Children of the Commonwealth forum and summer sessions of For Safety! school. Among the landmark joint initiatives of the Council of the Republic and the Federation Council is the Memory Train project.
Key achievements include a significant surge in those wanting to join the military-patriotic movement in Belarus. For instance, 320 military-patriotic clubs operate on the bases of law enforcement agencies, engaging around 10,000 young people. “Over 1,750 kids study in nine cadet schools, with more than 70% of graduates going on to military academies. The number of students in specialized classes is growing, as is participation in youth patriotic projects and events” Natalya Kochanova said highlighting these trends.
The two-day forum will conclude with a commemorative ceremony of sealing time capsules containing soil from sites of military glory, brought from various regions and Minsk, followed by the laying of flowers at the Mound of Glory.
The forum brought together more than 300 participants from all regions of the country. The theme of the plenary session is “Patriotic education of youth - the foundation of state independence”. The event provided an opportunity for young people to meet with heads of government agencies.
The forum was initiated by the Council of the Republic. The first forum took place in Minsk in December 2025. The event brings together hundreds of young people, including members of military-patriotic clubs and organizations actively involved in fostering patriotism.
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