At the dialogue platform in the Media Center of the Vitebsk region, they discussed the tasks for the region's development for the five-year plan
The tasks set by the leadership of the region and the city for this year and the five-year period, prospective areas of work, and events in 2025 were discussed during the dialogue platform "Our Achievements. A Look into the Future," which took place at the Media Center of the Vitebsk Region.
The Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Dmitry Demidov emphasized the beginning of early voting in the presidential elections of Belarus.
– This campaign is of fateful significance, determining the course of Belarus's development for the next five years and ensuring a peaceful future for us and our children, – stated Dmitry Demidov.
The past year was filled with significant events in both political and public life. One of the key moments was the Unified Voting Day, which was provided for by the updated Constitution that we worked on together. This indicates the political maturity of society and that it is ready for new stages of development.
– The Vitebsk region marked numerous significant events, including the 80th anniversary of liberation from the German-Fascist occupation and the 30th anniversary of the Institute of the Presidency, – continued Dmitry Demidov. – These events were held at a high level, with active participation from youth movements and public associations. The XI Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia became a platform for exchanging experiences and contributed to establishing new contacts.
Dmitry Demidov also spoke about the socio-economic development of the region, which showed worthy results in 2024.
– Preliminary estimates indicate that we are among the leaders in growth rates, – stated the head of the deputy corps. – This obliges us to continue working with full dedication in 2025. I am confident that our plans for the future will be realized, and we have all the necessary resources for this. The main thing is to maintain the desire and striving for fruitful work.
Among those invited to the dialogue platform was the youth of the northern region.
– Meetings with the youth audience are an important and responsible task. The youth expect from us an assessment of the current situation and information about the plans we are developing to stabilize the situation. It is important to note that there is enormous potential in the youth. They take us as an example and evaluate our work through the prism of their lives and the quality of the environment around them. This process is mutually beneficial: we draw inspiration from their ideas and needs, and they share their views on the future of our region and country. Our task is to involve the youth as much as possible in economic, social, and political processes so that they realize their involvement and responsibility for the future of our country. This cooperation is extremely important for forming an active and responsible civic position in the younger generation.
By the way, young parliamentarians initiated a project to immortalize the history of the "Surazh Gates."
The project is currently in the stage of discussion and development, with various aspects of its implementation being considered.
The Surazh Gates became the place where the Red Army troops managed to break through the German defenses and connect with partisan units operating in the Vitebsk, Smolensk, and Pskov regions. This operation had a significant impact on the course of the Great Patriotic War and contributed to the successful implementation of Operation Bagration.
– We see many interesting and heroic moments that can be highlighted within the framework of this project. It requires both research and educational work, as well as the organization of events that will emphasize our unity and the importance of historical memory, – noted Dmitry Demidov. – The youth are always full of ideas and fresh perspectives, and I am confident that the results of our work will be impressive.
The Chairman of the City Council of Deputies Olga Ivanova noted that the past year was an important stage in the development of Vitebsk, with an emphasis on the opening of a unique children's institution – primary school No. 48 of Vitebsk and the achievements of young Vitebsk residents in education.
Numbers. In the field of education, there is much to be proud of. In 2024, young Vitebsk residents won 77 international diplomas and 68 awards at the final stage of republican olympiads. A quarter of the graduates of the 11th grades received certificates of special sample, and 80% continue their studies at universities.
The deputy also spoke about the population growth, improvement of living conditions including for large families, reconstruction of Victory Square in the regional center, as well as the "Basement" program aimed at updating engineering networks in apartment buildings, which should improve the quality of life for city residents. The speaker is convinced that if the program is successfully implemented, it will be a bold solution that can be adopted by other regional centers of Belarus.
– As a deputy, I strive to be a connecting link between residents and authorities, and I believe that social support, housing construction, and preservation of historical memory are key aspects that we must develop and pass on to future generations, – emphasized the deputy.
The head of the BIS Department for the Vitebsk Region Andrey Mishin noted that one of the main achievements of Belarus has been not only the preservation of independence but also the development of human resources. Small private companies and research centers specializing in modern technologies such as robotics and unmanned technologies are actively working in the republic. Although they are not always known in the global market, their expertise shapes trends and contributes to technological development.
Andrey Mishin emphasized that Belarusians have successfully integrated into the international division of labor over the past 30 years, which was particularly evident under the conditions of sanctions pressure in 2022 and 2023. Despite the challenges, the country's economy has maintained stability, and many enterprises have found ways to diversify export supplies and components.
– These achievements are the result of the labor of our people, their focus on results and love for their homeland, – noted the speaker. He added that Belarus is successfully developing in various fields, including the economy, social sphere, education, and medicine, as evidenced by improvements in rankings.
In 2024, there was a significant change in the perception of life among local residents in the Vitebsk region. Sociological studies show that the sharpness of everyday problems has decreased, and life satisfaction has increased. People have begun to return to a strategy of saving, which indicates stabilization in the consumer market and confidence in the Belarusian ruble.
Andrey Mishin also noted that against the backdrop of global conflicts and tensions in the world, Belarusians have realized the importance of maintaining the country's defense capability. This creates a more favorable social background and a sense of security from the state.
Speaking about prospects, he noted that the population looks optimistically at 2025, expecting positive changes in the socio-economic sphere. He emphasized that 2024 has become a turning point in the perception of civil society, which manifested itself in the active participation of youth in public life and politics.
– We do not stop at what has been achieved and continue to move forward. Next year, we will face new economic challenges and opportunities, including the development of an updated national strategy for sustainable development, – added the speaker.