Sweden organises international youth forum on gender equality and democracy in Belarus
Published
On 11 May, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, is organising a conference in Stockholm on youth and gender equality issues for a future democratic Belarus. The forum gathers youth representative of the Belarusian democratic movement and civil society representatives, decision-makers and experts from the EU and Sweden. The aim is to highlight the importance of young people’s political participation to the democratic development of Belarus.
“We are living at a time in which democracy is facing growing threats in all corners of the globe. Young leaders are an important force for political change, and they are needed now more than ever. It is our duty to support these leaders, particularly young women, in their continued struggle for a free and democratic Belarus,” says State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dag Hartelius.
The forum is a platform for young representatives of the Belarusian democratic movement to discuss common challenges and ways forward, with a particular emphasis on women’s political participation and rights. Through panel discussions, lectures and discussions in small groups, the forum highlights youth and gender equality issues as a key part of the democratic development of Belarus.
Speakers include the leader of the Belarusian democratic forces in exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Mr Hartelius and acting Director-General of Sida Hanna Hellquist. During her visit, Ms Tsikhanouskaya is also meeting with Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz and Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
The forum is being held in the run-up to the fifth Eastern Partnership Youth Conference, which will also take place in Stockholm. By hosting the two conferences, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs aims to strengthen cooperation between young representatives of the democratic movement, human rights defenders and civil society representatives in Sweden’s neighbourhood
“The EU supports the Belarusian democratic movement. The Eastern Partnership is an important platform for deeper dialogue between the EU and Belarusian civil society, particularly for the young people who are fighting for a future democratic Belarus. Sweden’s and the EU’s support can make a real difference,” says Ms Rosencrantz.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for EU Affairs Jessica Rosencrantz
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 70-216 10 54
email to Sarah Pålsson
The situation in Belarus
The EU has denounced the 2020 and 2025 Belarusian presidential elections as neither free nor fair. Since the 2020 election, repression has increased against all forms of political opposition, civil society and independent media. According to human rights organisation Viasna, there are almost 800 political prisoners in Belarus.
Sweden’s support to Belarus
Sweden’s reform work with Belarus is governed by Sweden’s Strategy for reform cooperation with Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans and Türkiye 2026–2030. Since 2020, long-term support to Belarus has been provided without cooperating with state actors, instead targeting actors deemed capable of contributing to democratic development, openness and respect for human rights. Sweden also cooperates closely with the Belarusian democratic forces in exile.
