MINSK, 27 March (BelTA) - Natalya Kochanova, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, met with participants of the Belarusian nationwide project Minsk – Belarusian Youth Capital 2026. The meeting was held as part of the Conversation on Equal Terms project and brought together around 100 young people, BelTA has learned.
Natalya Kochanova noted that the meeting was attended by school and university students, doctors, and teachers. “There are also those here who have already worked or are working on our youth council, as well as participants of the Train of Memory. In fact, we are good friends,” Natalya Kochanova said addressing the youth.
The speaker told the young people about the structure and work of the Council of the Republic. “Working with young people has always been a breath of fresh air for me. Meeting with you is a joy because I see the sparkle in your eyes,” said Natalya Kochanova, emphasizing that such encounters instill confidence in a secure future when young people step into leadership roles.
During the meeting with Natalya Kochanova, young people requested support in implementing youth projects and put forward new proposals. One of them was inclusive in nature. A young man proposed creating a project, perhaps a television program, that would show not only to people with disabilities but to everyone that every person has the opportunity to develop, and that people with disabilities are no different from anyone else.
“In our country, inclusion is enshrined in law in the Education Code. The state is taking all measures to ensure that people have equal opportunities. Today we have everything in place for people to undergo rehabilitation,” Natalya Kochanova said. “We pass laws, but there is also the matter of people’s perceptions. I guarantee you that we will make such a program.” She emphasized that real-life examples of people with disabilities should be shown - how they live, work, and start families.
One participant raised the issue of retaining young specialists in their assigned positions, especially in the regions. Natalya Kochanova also stressed that working youth are actively supported in our country. “The state does everything to create conditions. Beyond that, everyone is responsible for their own life: if you want to study, go ahead; if you want to work, that’s fine too; if you want to live in a rural area or in a city, the choice is yours,” the speaker said. “For many, it’s a blessing to be given their first job and be assigned to go there. It’s hard to make them stay there if there’s no housing, which is why we now provide rental housing.”
At the end of the meeting, Natalya Kochanova said: “My dear young people, I sincerely wish you happiness. Take care of your country, cherish what older generations have done for us and what we have today.”
Photos by Maksim Guchek
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