MINSK, 4 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko's decision to declare 2021 the Year of People's Unity stems from the life-affirming nature of cultural heritage and the philosophical understanding of the current stage in the country's development, Nikolai Shchekin, PhD of Philosophy, Head of the Sociology of Public Administration Department at the Sociology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, told BelTA.
“I believe that this is a brand new assessment criterion of achievements and the algorithm of future development. Our history has many examples of selflessness and humanism, difficult challenges and glorious victories. The Belarusian nation has chosen to be sovereign, to live in unity, peace, and concord. Patriotism, national values and moral ideals, true unity in the society based on the common interpretation of ancient Christian traditions and visions of the future are the main concepts of people's unity. Belarus has always been known for kind and respectful relations between representatives of various ethnicities and denominations,” Nikolai Shchekin noted.
According to him, the issue of preserving, strengthening, and developing this unique experience of the Belarusian nation has recently come to attention. People's unity is a strong, unwavering and irresistible spirit of Belarusians.
“People's unity relies on the unbreakable constitutional system, mutual responsibility of citizens, strength of state and civil institutions, law abidance, hard work, and devotion to the chosen path. Staying united in state building, in the fight against internal conflicts and humiliation of the country is a great civil deed. It is important to understand and realize that in the face of the ongoing profound changes in the world, which produce extremism and radicalism, mutual hatred and animosity, we need to stay true to the Belarusian values and to stand in solidarity against destructive and confrontational scenarios in the territory of Belarus. People's unity, peace, and security are the backbone of our country,” Nikolai Shchekin stressed. “Provocations of political schemers-champions of alternative scenarios, who earn money for selling their country from abroad, have nothing to do with the historical memory and the choice of strategic development goals for Belarus,” he added.
Belarus' unity is the key prerequisite for preserving independence, careful attitude to historical heritage, and building on our achievements, Nikolai Shchekin believes. “At the same time, modern challenges set forth new requirements. This is why only concerted efforts and solidarity in actions, a strong authority, and territorial integrity of the country can help us solve the most difficult issues, challenge stereotypes and create promising, timely, and specific state and civil mechanisms to improve the Belarusian development model,” the expert added.
