Opinions & Interviews

Belarus-Russia Forum of Regions lauded as important, eagerly awaited event

MINSK, 29 June (BelTA) – The Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is a significant event that our countries always look forward to, chairman of the Council of the Republic's standing commission on education, science, culture and social development Viktor Liskovich said on the sidelines of the online panel discussion “Belarus-Russia cooperation in science and education in the era of ‘big challenges' and digital technologies” hosted by the Belarusian Institute of Strategic Research (BISR) on 29 June, BelTA has learned.

“Every Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia is an important event that our countries always look forward too. This is a perfect platform for strengthening the partnership and friendly relations between our countries and establishing long-term ties in various fields. Such cooperation yields successful and progressive results,” Viktor Liskovich noted.

Belarus is represented at the panel discussion by members of the Council of the Republic, heads of government agencies, educational institutions, and representatives of high-tech and research organizations.

“The key theme of this forum is very relevant as we are developing a common scientific and technological space amid the advent of a new information technology era in almost all areas of life,” Viktor Liskovich said.

According to him, the topic of digitization is very important and relevant, especially in view of the ‘big challenges’ that face the modern society: the ongoing pandemic, the information war, the sanctions, and other threats. “With this in mind, we would like to discuss education, healthcare, and scientific support for economic growth, social and cultural development. They determine the competitiveness and stability of sovereign states and the prosperity of our brotherly nations,” Viktor Liskovich pointed out. “We will also talk about ways to strengthen unity and trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation between legislators, governments, business circles, and the academia of the two countries,” he added.

Belarus and Russia boast significant capacities in science and technology, which enables them to be in the lead in many areas of digital technologies, Viktor Liskovich stressed. Regions of the two countries have already gained a lot of experience in introducing such technologies in public administration.

“Most regions of Russia and Belarus participate in joint educational and scientific projects. Since 2000, we have implemented 57 Union State programs to develop new technologies and innovative products, including 10 in radioelectronics, microelectronics, and thermal imaging equipment, 4 in space technologies, instruments and equipment, and another 4 in supercomputing and software,” Viktor Liskovich said. “I hope that the forum will be busy and effective. Engaging in a dialogue and exchanging opinions will help the participants harmonize their positions regarding the future strategy to strengthen integration in all cooperation areas,” he added.

The 8th Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia kicked off on 29 June and will be running through 1 July. Its main events will be held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five panel discussions will take place on the first day of the forum, 29 June, and will focus on the following topics: Belarus-Russia cooperation in science and education in the era of ‘big challenges’ and digital technologies; the role of digitalization in the formation of a single scientific and technological space of the Union State; interaction between Russia and Belarus in implementing Union State programs and science and technology projects within the framework of international treaties; law and digitalization in the Union State: prospects and avenues of development; online youth: the digital environment of the future.

The governing bodies of the Chamber of Young Legislators at the Federation Council and the Youth Council (Parliament) at the National Assembly have convened for their maiden joint meeting on the sidelines of the forum.

The inter-parliamentary commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus and the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation will hold a web-based meeting to discuss interregional cooperation on 30 June. The forum will pay special attention to business matters. The Council of Business Cooperation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Belarus and Russia will discuss cooperation prospects.

The key event of the forum – the plenary session – will be held on 1 July via a video link. The list of speakers includes heads of government bodies, ministries and departments, representatives of business communities of the two countries, and also digitalization experts. In order to give a new impetus to the digitization process and the development of the common scientific and technological space in the Union State, Belarusian and Russian enterprises will sign several cooperation agreement and contracts on the sidelines of the forum.

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