Three cities in the Vitebsk region are preparing to host the Forum of Regions

At the end of June, the XI Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia will be hosted by three cities in the Vitebsk region: Vitebsk, ancient Polotsk, and Novopolotsk, the youngest city in Belarus, which celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2023.

Active preparations are underway in each city to set up venues for large-scale events. While Vitebsk focuses primarily on facilities already familiar from "Slavianski Bazaar" (the Summer Amphitheater, the "Vitebsk" Concert Hall, etc.), Polotsk and Novopolotsk face significant work to host guests with dignity. This was discussed at a recent working meeting in Polotsk by the Secretariat of the Council of the Republic, led by its Chairperson, Natalya Kochanova. She instructed to pay special attention to catering facilities, landscaping, and the aesthetic improvement of Polotsk's urban environment, as well as the creation of a unique historical atmosphere:

— The ancient city must live up to its glorious history and leave a corresponding impression on guests, — Natalya Kochanova is convinced. — Polotsk is our tourist mecca. People have come and will continue to come here. Therefore, everything here must breathe history. Every facility must be in perfect condition. Along with this, it is important to take care of a variety of souvenir products, and there should be plenty of them. They should be interesting so that everyone wants to take a souvenir from Belarus as a memento.

Key locations in Polotsk, where breakout sessions will be held, are being prepared to receive forum participants. Three of them will be hosted at the Polotsk State University. Sections on international and interregional cooperation between Belarus and Russia, as well as innovations in science and education, will operate here. The rector of the university, Yuri Romanovsky, spoke about the surprises awaiting guests:

— We will try to surprise with interactive platforms where we will showcase all our achievements and innovations, the latest developments in IT technologies, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.
I am confident that our guests will also be impressed by the platform dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi invaders.The topic of the Great Patriotic War, the genocide of the Belarusian people during the war, and the patriotic education of youth is given great attention at our university, and we definitely have something to share.

Novopolotsk will be filled with young voices during the Forum of Regions. Along with the work of the sections, youth delegations will gather here. Initially, it was planned to invite predst

representatives from eight twin cities of Novopolotsk. However, by decision of the organizers from the Belarusian side, other regions of the Russian Federation that have twin city ties with the cities and districts of the Vitebsk region will also receive invitations. The goal is clear – to strengthen the relations of fraternal countries through new generations.

Two and a half months remain until the start of the forum. In the near future, a Russian delegation will arrive in Polotsk to familiarize themselves with the sites planned to be used in the Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia.

BY THE WAY

The Forum of Regions was first held in June 2014 in Minsk. Subsequently, it was held alternately in Belarusian and Russian cities – Sochi, Minsk, Moscow, Mogilev, St. Petersburg, and Grodno. The jubilee, X Forum of Regions was held in 2023 in the Russian city of Ufa.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by