18 July 2026
On July 17-18, 2026, Vitebsk hosted the International Forum ” Strategy and Sustainable Development Goals with a Female face”, dedicated to the Year of the Belarusian Woman.
The Forum has become a platform for strengthening the role of women leaders in implementing socially significant initiatives, promoting socially responsible business and expanding the export of tourism services in the Vitebsk region through the introduction of new formats as an important element of the sustainable development of the region.
The Forum participants include representatives of government agencies, the UN system, financial and business structures, scientific and educational institutions, socially oriented organizations, including people with disabilities, as well as leaders of women’s initiatives and entrepreneurial projects from the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation. A total of 157 people (82% women) took part in the Forum, including 6 youth representatives and 53 people with disabilities.
A rich program was presented on the sidelines of the Forum, which included the contact and cooperation exchange “Integration, Partnership and Innovations in the Field of Artificial Intelligence, Tourism and Medicine”, a charity auction of creative works by social service institutions of the Vitebsk region in support of people with disabilities and the financing of the Social Taxi project. The creative team of the State Institution “Territorial Center for Social Services of the Population of the Orsha District” performed a wheelchair dance to the Forum participants. In addition, the Forum participants visited the exhibition and sale of paintings “Women’s Images – Magic of Beauty” and the exhibition of products of social service institutions “Creating a Space for Equal Participation”, where the inclusive coffee shop “Good Coffee” operated.
The Forum participants also attended “Unlimited Possibilities” workshops on candle making, gingerbread painting and belt weaving, a tasting of the products of an inclusive cafe in the Lepel district and a presentation of the project “From Inclusion to Integration into Society.” The business program of the Forum included a plenary session “On the Role of Women in the Economy of the Future” and two thematic sections — “Socially Responsible Business and Society” and “Development of the Tourism Potential of the Vitebsk Region”.
A solemn ceremony of awarding commendations to the National Coordinator for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals was also held during the Forum. Commendations for significant contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Vitebsk region were awarded to:
Elena Borzdyko, First Deputy Chairperson of the Economics Committee of the Vitebsk Oblast Executive Committee, addressed the Forum participants with a welcoming speach. She noted that the Vitebsk region is among the leading regions in achieving the SDGs, demonstrating significant progress in almost 80% of indicators. She stressed the symbolism of holding the Forum in the Year of the Belarusian Woman and in the days of the XXXV-anniversary International Art Festival “Slavyansky Bazar in Vitebsk”. Elena Borzdyko noted that the sustainable development of the regions is impossible without the active participation of women in all spheres of socio-political and economic life of the country. She drew attention to the fact that women successfully realize themselves in various fields, head large enterprises, create new businesses, innovate and develop social entrepreneurship, combining high technology, environmental responsibility and the preservation of family values. Elena Borzdyko also stressed that the proportion of women in senior positions in organizations and authorities of the Vitebsk region is about half, and in small and medium-sized businesses — almost a quarter, while the government is consistently expanding measures to support women’s initiatives.
Sergey Aleynik, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, National Coordinator for Achieving the SDGs, noted the importance of holding the Forum during the days of the “Slavyansky Bazaar in Vitebsk” and stressed that cultural heritage is an important driver of the sustainable development of Vitebsk region. The National Coordinator elaborated on the achievements of the region, noting that the region has unique natural resources and forms a competitive infrastructure for health and tourism. Sergey Aleynik paid special attention to the role of women in the socio-economic development of the country, their participation in public life and the preservation of traditional spiritual and family values. He noted the high level of women’s employment and significant representation in government and business, as well as Belarus’ high performance in the field of gender equality in international rankings — 28th out of 172 countries on the Gender Equality Index and 54th out of 148 countries on the Gender Gap Index. At the end of his speach, the National Coordinator stressed that the Forum’s discussions should become an impetus for identifying new growth points in the Vitebsk region, effectively using the expert and resource potential of international organizations and accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Rasul Baghirov, UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus, in his welcoming speech praised Belarus’ progress in achieving the SDGs, stressing that the country is demonstrating stable and significant results both at the national and regional levels. He noted the important role of the UN Country Team, due to which thousands of Belarusian women gained access to resources, training and support to develop their own businesses, which significantly strengthened women’s entrepreneurship. Rasul Baghirov emphasized that women’s leadership, a socially responsible approach and the active participation of women in the economy are key factors for the long-term and sustainable growth of the regions, forming the basis for the further development of the country.
Renfei Liu, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in the Republic of Belarus, expressed gratitude to the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee and the National Coordinator for the SDGs, Sergey Aleynik, for their continued commitment to the principles of sustainable development and the promotion of the 2030 Agenda. She highlighted the key role of women’s potential in inclusive economic growth and informed about the adoption of the new UNDP Global Strategy for Gender Equality for 2026-2030, aimed at creating institutions and mechanisms to ensure the full participation of women in the economy of the future. Renfei Liu noted that with the support of the UNDP, mentoring programs for businesswomen are being implemented in Belarus, more than 11,000 women have strengthened entrepreneurial competencies and developed new business ideas as part of local economic development initiatives, and over 400 women have mastered digital entrepreneurship. Renfei Liu emphasized the key role of the Forum in strengthening partnership and developing practical solutions that support the development of entrepreneurial women and socially oriented businesses.
Daniil Kharitonov, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Belarus, emphasized Russia’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, noting the special importance of the SDG 5, dedicated to unlocking the potential of women for the development of the country and the implementation of all SDGs. He noted the comprehensive support that Russia provides to Belarus in promoting the 2030 Agenda, including projects for the development of green tourism, youth support, and the comprehensive international technical assistance project “Support to the Efforts of the Republic of Belarus in Nationalization and Localization of SDGs” within which, with financial support from the Russian Federation, six regional strategies for sustainable development have been developed, the Multidimensional Poverty Index and the assessment of legislation for compliance with the SDGs were developed. Concluding his speech, he expressed confidence that the work of the Forum would be fruitful and make a real contribution to the promotion of sustainable development.
Anastasia Gapeeva, Deputy Chairperson of the Government of the Smolensk Region, noted that the discussion of the role of women in sustainable development and in the formation the economy of the future is of particular importance today. She highlighted the growing share of women’s employment in all key areas — education, industry, and the social sphere — and noted that their active participation is becoming an important resource for the development of regions and the country. Anastasia Gapeeva drew attention to the modern challenges faced by women, including the tendency to create a family later and the need to combine professional growth with family responsibilities. Concluding her speech, she stressed the importance of the Forum and the inter-regional dialogue and wished the participants productive and inspiring cooperation.
The central topics of the Forum were socially responsible business and the development of tourism potential, which form the basis for the sustainable development of the Vitebsk region and determine its competitive advantages. In the context of rapid changes, it is the exchange of experience, practical solutions and successful models that is becoming a key resource for the regions. Sustainable development is impossible without a strong private sector capable of creating jobs, innovating and adapting quickly to new challenges. And here the role of women entrepreneurs is especially noticeable, who demonstrate flexibility, courage and the ability to make non-standard decisions.
Olga Rusinovich, Director of the Entrepreneurship Department of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus, presented the report “Development of Women’s and Silver Entrepreneurship”. She stressed that the country has a multi—level business development system that is accessible regardless of gender and age, and noted that within the State Program “Sustainable Entrepreneurship” women receive a wide range of financial instruments, from preferential loans to subsidized rates, and cooperation between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus, NGO “Belarusian Union of Women” and JSC Belinvestbank has allowed to hold more than 70 events stimulating the development of women’s business. She paid special attention to the social role of businesswomen and the pilot model for supporting silver entrepreneurship, developed jointly with the UNDP: a boxed solution with a set of techniques for regional centers was successfully tested in 10 cities, covering about 500 “50+” businesswomen. Olga Rusinovich informed that soon this model will be scaled up across the country, strengthening the contribution of women’s and silver entrepreneurship to sustainable development.
Anastasia Semashko, Deputy Director for Core Business and Head of the Marketing and External Relations Department of the National Agency for Tourism, presented the report “Women in Tourism in Belarus: Resource for the Development of the Industry”. She noted that the thesis about the “female face of tourism” is confirmed by both global and national data: women occupy more than half of the jobs in the tourism sector, in Belarus this figure reaches 55-60%. At the same time, 64% of all travelers in the world are women, who make 82% of travel decisions. Anastasia Semashko noted that women are a strategic resource, and investments in their development, entrepreneurial initiatives and professional competencies directly contribute to strengthening sustainable tourism at both the national and global levels. Concluding her speech, Anastasia Semashko stressed that the Forum is intended to open new points of growth and interaction for all participants.
Irina Novikova, General Director of the First Dairy Trading House, presented the report “The Belarusian Village: Women’s Philosophy of Partnership with Love for Two Countries Where Everyone Wins”. She presented the project “Belarusian Village” as a feminine philosophy of partnership between Belarus and Russia, based on the desire to return the real taste of childhood to people and show Belarusian quality as a strong brand. Irina Novikova informed about the activities of the First Dairy trading house, which supplies products to 72 regions of Russia, cooperates with major retailers and includes a network of 8 stores uniting 33 Belarusian manufacturers. The General Director of the First Dairy Trading House stressed that Belarusskaya Village has become an ecosystem where buyers, producers and the team benefit, and plans include scaling up the network and launching a franchise in 89 regions.
The section “Socially Responsible Business and Society” was opened by Vera Astapenko, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. She stressed that the Forum focuses on people and society, and social initiatives are becoming an important driver of private sector development, allowing companies to create value not only for shareholders, but also for society. She noted that behind every successful enterprise there are people — their perseverance, faith in their work and willingness to overcome challenges — and a special place among such stories is occupied by women’s entrepreneurship, which forms new standards of professionalism, responsibility and social orientation of business.
Tatiana Vashchenkova, Director of Belkarolin LLC, presented the report “The Inspiring Story of a Business with a Female Face”, presenting the inspiring story of the formation of her own business, and highlighting the key stages of its development. She outlined the values that have become the backbone of the company’s sustainability and noted the internal energy sources that allow it to maintain growth dynamics and confidently move forward.
Over the years, the UNDP has consistently promoted the principles of sustainable development, supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening corporate social responsibility, inclusive economic growth and the development of local communities. Special attention is paid to supporting women’s entrepreneurship as a key factor in accelerating the achievement of the SDGs: it is women who become drivers of an inclusive economy, social stability and innovation, forming new approaches to the development of territories and improving the quality of life.
Margarita Zmachinskaya, UNDP Communications Strategy and Innovations Analyst, presented the report “ESG and UNDP support for Women’s Entrepreneurship”, highlighting the role of entrepreneurship as an important driver of sustainable development. She noted that ESG standards are becoming a key tool for responsible business conduct. The UNDP has developed guidelines for the implementation of ESG and supported the creation of an educational platform on which more than 300 people have been trained. Pilot mentoring programs for women and entrepreneurs of the “silver age” have shown high results: income growth, business expansion, the emergence of new projects and the formation of sustainable professional communities. The development of entrepreneurship and an inclusive economy remains one of the key priorities in the UNDP Country Program for 2026-2030, and the organization will continue to work to create conditions for sustainable business in Belarus.
The social sustainability of society today largely depends on how effectively the state, business and public organizations are able to combine their efforts to solve pressing development challenges.
Vera Astapenko, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, presented the report “Charity as a Bridge of Solidarity in the Implementation of Humanitarian Initiatives”. She presented a comprehensive overview of social, humanitarian and charitable initiatives in the Vitebsk region (“New Horizons”, the project “Good Coffee”, “Inclusive Pottery Studio”, mini–Donut Shop “Tastte-niam.by”, “Canisterapy”, “Gossipy bee”, “Let’s help everyone”, etc.). She informed about new areas of work, including the creation of accessible beaches, the launch of the country’s first wheelchair football team, mobile rehabilitation projects, VR complexes for teaching safe behavior and the Digital with a Heart health monitoring system. Vera Astapenko noted that the goal of all the initiatives is to create a society of equal opportunities, where everyone receives support, attention and a chance for a fulfilling life, and stressed that charity is the heart of humanitarian projects, and joint efforts by the state, business and society make it possible to change people’s lives for the better.
Socially responsible business plays an important role in creating conditions in which every child can grow, develop and realize their potential. Today, more and more companies consider investments in the well-being of children not only as a contribution to solving social problems, but also as an investment in the sustainable future of society and the economy. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Republic of Belarus implements a wide range of programs in the country aimed at supporting children and youth.
Dmitry Shilin, UNICEF Senior Child Protection Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus, presented the report “Partnership with Business in the Interests of Children: Support for UNICEF Programs in the Vitebsk Region,” presenting corporate social responsibility and ESG approaches using the example of the joint UNICEF-Priorbank program “Family for every Child.” Due to the joint program, 360 children have found a family environment in the Vitebsk region alone, 255 specialists have been trained, innovative family support services and a mobile resource room have been introduced. Dmitry Shilin stressed that partnership with business is not only financial assistance, but also information support, innovation, and the development of child- and family-friendly corporate practices. UNICEF will continue to expand successful models to new regions, develop family-oriented services and digital fundraising tools.
Nowadays, more and more women are taking leadership positions, proving that effective management can be successfully combined with empathy, flexibility, and strategic vision. Their experience becomes a source of practical ideas not only for business, but also for the development of modern corporate culture.
Inga Pugachyukaite, Head of the Cash Settlement Center No. 2 in Vitebsk, MTBank CJSC, presented the report “5 Rules of Women’s Leadership: How to Run a Bank For 12 Years and Enjoy the Process” and shared her view on the secrets of successful women’s leadership. She emphasized that modern women’s leadership is based on a combination of thoughtful risk management and personal contribution. Inga Pugachyukaite noted that her managerial experience shows that the atmosphere of psychological security and mutual respect in the team directly affects the growth of financial results. When employees are not afraid of mistakes, are ready to offer bold ideas, and customers feel sincerity and openness, a culture is formed that becomes the foundation of a successful bank where values and numbers work together.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Republic of Belarus actively promotes initiatives related to family support, gender equality, and active longevity. Joint projects between the UNFPA and businesses demonstrate how joining forces makes it possible to create sustainable solutions that are in demand both in large cities and in rural settlements.
Volha Lukashkova, UNFPA Programme Analyst in the Republic of Belarus, presented the report “Partnership Between UNFPA And Business for the Sustainable Development of Regions: Modern Solutions for the Family”, noting that modern women carry a significant burden of family care, combining work and household responsibilities, and that is why it is important for companies to create parent-friendly conditions. She presented the UNFPA programs — “Parent-friendly companies”, “We are expecting a child”, “Dad every day”, “Family in touch”, “Papa LAB”, which improve the quality of life of families and give businesses a tangible economic effect. Volha Lukashkova emphasized that modern family practices and partnership with business are an important resource for sustainable development, and caring for parents and children is a strategic investment in the future.
Socially responsible business today is not only a contribution to the economy, but also caring for people, protecting the environment and participating in solving socially significant tasks. The experience of companies for which these principles have become part of their corporate culture and daily work is of the greatest interest.
Nadezhda Podhaiskaya, General Director of PO Energokomplet LLC, informed about how this approach is implemented in practice and what results it brings to employees, society and the company itself. She stressed that caring for employees, creating a safe and supportive work environment, participating in social projects, and paying attention to the needs of employees’ families build trust, increase motivation, and strengthen corporate culture, and should become the strategic foundation for modern, effective business.
Emilia Garbuzova, a member of the regional NGO “Belaya Rus” and the NGO “Belarusian Union of Women”, presented the project “Creators Without Borders”, which unites women craftsmen, volunteers, teachers, social activists and businesswomen. She emphasized that the project supports people who create value for their communities through creativity, craft, and cultural practices, creating a space for sharing experiences, developing skills, and implementing joint initiatives. According to Emilia Garbuzova, creativity has no borders and helps to strengthen ties between generations and regions, preserve traditions and open up new opportunities for development.
Often, the most successful business projects are born out of the desire to solve important social problems and help people.
Alexandra Finkevich, practicing psychologist, presented the report “Woman’s Heart and Courage: How Social Initiatives Turn into Business”, emphasizing that it is empathy, willingness to listen to the needs of society and the courage to act that allow women to create sustainable, sought-after and socially significant projects.
Olga Pankova, Director of the wood processing plant of the Private Production and Trade Unitary Enterprise “VELFEA”, Master of Psychological Sciences, Master of Public Administration, presented the report “Mechanisms for Improving Social Assistance to People in a Situation of Job Loss”. She stressed that improving social assistance to people who have lost their jobs requires a combination of modern management approaches and attention to the psychological state of a person. Olga emphasized the importance of early detection of difficulties, individual support, retraining programs and motivational support. According to her, an effective assistance system should provide financial measures and help a person regain confidence, adapt to new conditions and return to active work faster.
Nadezhda Sirotenko, Master of Pedagogical Sciences in Correctional Work, member of the Interdisciplinary Association of Myofunctional Disorders and Health-saving Technologies, member of the National League of Speech Therapists, presented the social project “Vector of Hope” as an example of the synergy of women’s leadership, business and scientific approach in supporting children with disabilities. She stressed that the project combines professional knowledge, modern techniques and social responsibility, creating effective solutions for early care, development and support of children with disabilities and their families.
Elena Potapenkova, Head of the NGO “Center for Support and Development of Social Projects “Your Rear 67”, presented the report “From Idea to System: How Women Create Social Projects That Change Society” and shared her experience in implementing social projects, showing how a well-structured structure, partnerships and team involvement allow initiatives to grow, scale and bring real benefits to those who need support.
Svetlana Astanina, Head of the Tourism Development Department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee’s Economics Committee, opened the section “Development of the Vitebsk Region’s tourism potential”, emphasizing that the Vitebsk region has unique tourism potential — from natural landscapes and lakes to rich cultural heritage, famous events and distinctive rural estates. She noted that a modern tourist is looking for not just a point on the map, but vivid impressions and a unique experience, so the key task of the region is to combine the heritage of Vitebsk region, modern promotion tools and high—quality infrastructure into a competitive tourist product.
Tourism is not just an industry, but a powerful tool for attracting visitors to the region and sustainable local development. It creates new economic opportunities, expands employment, strengthens local communities, and promotes the preservation of natural heritage. Ecotourism is of particular importance in this process: it combines respect for nature, responsible travel and territorial development, allowing regions to grow without harming the environment. The UNDP has been supporting local economic development and the promotion of eco-tourism for many years, helping regions unlock their potential and create modern, sustainable tourism products.
Kiryl Stsezhkin, UNDP Programme Analyst, presented the report “UNDP Support for the Development of Ecological Tourism as a Contribution to Local Sustainable Development”, stressing that the development of ecotourism contributes to economic growth and the preservation of the unique natural heritage of Belarus. He informed about the UNDP project “Ecotourism Development to Promote Green Transition to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus and with financial support from the Russian Federation. Its main goal is to support the development of ecological tourism in protected areas for the “green” transition of the Republic of Belarus to inclusive and sustainable growth and strengthen cross—border cooperation. Kiryl Stsezhkin noted among the main results of the project: the training of more than 900 specialists, the creation of four ecotourism clusters “Lakes”, “Naliboksky”, “Osveisky” and “Eco-Roses”, the development of four ecological trails. He stressed that the UNDP is ready to continue supporting such initiatives, scaling up and replicating this successful experience in Belarus.
The heads of the state environmental institutions managing the republican nature reserves located in the Vitebsk region provided detailed information on the practical results of the partnership between the Vitebsk region and the UNDP, including within the international technical assistance project “Ecotourism Development to Promote Green Transition to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”, funded by the Russian Federation. Сame up on this topic
The tourist attractiveness of the region is determined not only by its natural attractions, but also by its ability to become a venue for business meetings, forums, conferences and exhibitions. It is business tourism that helps attract investment, expand professional ties, increase the recognition of the territory and creates an additional impetus for the development of the service sector and the economy.
Elena Prokhorova, Chairperson of the Board of the United Organization of Business Entities of the NGO “Belarusian Union of Women”, Director of LLC “Intellectual Business Technologies” – small business incubator, presented the report “MICE Events – One of the Multi-Channel Drivers of the Development of Business Tourism and the Country’s Economy”, emphasizing the contribution of business trips to strategic decision–making and business consolidation. She presented four key pillars of MICE — business meetings, motivational trips, conferences and exhibitions. She paid special attention to the international activities of the United Organization of Entrepreneurs, including cooperation with the regions of Russia, the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and African countries, as well as the bleisure concept, combining a business agenda with personal experience and self-realization. Concluding her speech, Elena Prokhorova noted that MICE today is a space where ideas are born, decisions are made and the future is shaped, and participation in such events becomes a movement forward and a contribution to the development of the economy and society.
One of the most promising areas of the modern tourism industry is medical tourism, which combines a high level of medical care, innovative treatment and rehabilitation technologies, as well as opportunities to strengthen international cooperation. For the regions, this is not only an additional flow of visitors, but also an important factor in the development of healthcare, increasing its competitiveness and recognition outside the country.
Inna Soldatenko, Deputy Chairperson of the NGO “Belarusian Union of Women”, Chairperson of the united organization of scientific and practical centers of the healthcare system of the Republic of Belarus of the public association “Belarusian Union of Women”, Deputy Director for Medical Examination and Rehabilitation of the State Institution “Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Oncology and Medical Radiology named after N.N. Alexandrov”, presented the report “Development of Medical Tourism”. She provided information about the potential and prospects for the development of medical tourism, as well as about the advantages Belarusian medicine offers to foreign citizens.
Sanatorium-resort holidays have long ceased to be exclusively a medical service, becoming an important area of tourism that combines health care, restoration of vitality and improvement of the quality of life. For the regions, the development of health complexes means not only an increase in tourist attractiveness, but also the creation of a comfortable environment for people of all ages.
Natalia Kalinina, Director of the Sanatorium “Zhemchuzhina”, presented the report ” Health Tourism as a Factor of Sustainable Development of the Region: Social Aspect and Female Perspective” emphasizing the social importance of affordable rehabilitation and family vacations. She noted that the sanatorium “Zhemchuzhina” provides more than 100 types of procedures, has its own laboratory and a fully accessible environment for people with disabilities, and is also a recreation space with its own ecotrops, water activities, sports areas and modern playgrounds. Natalia Kalinina emphasized that wellness tourism is a contribution to people’s health, the development of the territory and strengthening the social sustainability of the region, and “Zhemchuzhina” demonstrates how medical technologies and natural resources can work together for the benefit of the local community.
In an era when travelers are increasingly choosing not just a route, but vivid emotions and unique experiences, the ability to tell the history of a region in a way that makes you want to see it with your own eyes is of particular importance. This is especially important for cultural tourism: the first acquaintance with sights, events and traditions often begins with high-quality visual materials.
Viktor Lavrinovich, Deputy Director for Publishing at the Vitebsk Regional Marketing Center, made the presentation of the project “Art of Impressions: How Printing Sells Tours” and informed about how modern printing solutions help to create an attractive image of the territory, promote tourist products and turn interest in the culture of Vitebsk region into real trips. He noted that the key element is the creation of recognizable symbols such as the “Traveler Bear”, the development of interactive routes and memory cards, as well as the introduction of digital services for tourists. Viktor Lavrinovich emphasized that the presented materials demonstrate how visual identity, brand images and high‑quality printing enhance interest in the territory, attract different audiences and turn tourist routes into a modern, emotionally saturated product.
Today, more and more travelers are looking not for a standard vacation, but for a lively, authentic acquaintance with the region — its traditions, crafts, local cuisine and the atmosphere of the countryside. The development of agroecotourism has become a significant area of Belarus’ tourism policy and an effective tool for expanding tourism opportunities, including international ones. This trend has opened up new prospects for the regions: it is agroecotourism that makes it possible to create unique tourist products, preserve cultural heritage and create new growth points for small territories.
Oksana Lashkevich, founder of the agroecological estate “Kraina Mar”, presented the report “Agroecological Estate as a Space for Inspiration: from Traditions to Modern Trends”, presenting her professional vision of rural tourism development and the role of agroecological estates in shaping a modern cultural and tourist space. She stressed that the agroecological estate “Kraina Mar” is an example of a successful tourism project that combines the preservation of national traditions with the introduction of relevant approaches, and is presented as a multifunctional platform for attracting tourists, implementing creative initiatives and sustainable rural development.
Svetlana Glushko, founder of the agroecological estate “Zvezda”, winner of the regional stage of the contest “Woman of the Year” in the nomination “Mistress of the Village”, shared her experience in developing agroecotourism, demonstrating the agroecological estate “Zvezda” as a comprehensive space for outdoor activities, exploring regional traditions and crafts, participating in master classes, visiting natural and historical sites, contributing to the development of local tourism. Svetlana Glushko outlined plans for 2026, including the opening of a culinary and craft workshop, the development of new tourist routes and participation in specialized exhibitions and competitions aimed at strengthening the tourism potential of the Orsha district.
Margarita Bedritskaya, Head of the Small and Medium Entrepreneurship Department of the OJSC “Belinvestbank” Department of the Vitebsk Region, presented the report “You are in the Leading Role”, focusing on the key aspects of the development of entrepreneurial initiatives and the role of personal responsibility in achieving sustainable success.
By 2030, the tourism industry faces ambitious challenges: to increase the contribution of tourism to the economy and double the export of tourism services, reflecting the strategic importance of the sphere for the development of the regions. Tourism is considered as one of the main “points of growth”, ensuring the inflow of investments, the formation of modern infrastructure, the creation of unique tourist products and routes, increasing the attractiveness of territories, the emergence of new jobs and the growth of incomes of the population. Today, all the necessary conditions have been created in the Vitebsk region to achieve these goals.
Video about the Forum
The Forum was organized by the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee with the support of the UNDP in the Republic of Belarus within the the Joint Project “Support to the Efforts of the Republic of Belarus in Nationalization and Localization of SDGs”, funded by the Russian Federation.
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