Miory Regional Executive Committee
Its agenda is multifaceted, but the primary focus is the exchange of experience, the opportunity for communication, and outlining pathways for further cooperation with Russian regions, as it is no coincidence that the forum is held on “Union State Day” at the “Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk.” While opening the plenary session, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies Dmitry Demidov drew attention to the high-level representation of guests from Belarus and Russia. Attending the forum were Secretary General of the Union State Sergei Glazyev, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Igor Sergeenko and members of the House of Representatives, heads of the Smolensk and Pskov regions and the Republic of Karelia of the Russian Federation, and members of the Parliamentary Assembly of Belarus and Russia. Also taking part in the forum’s work were members of the Regional Council of Deputies, chairmen of city and district councils of deputies, rural settlement councils, and members of the Youth Council under the Regional Council of Deputies.
Before the plenary session began, forum participants visited the “Proud of My Homeland” exhibition, where each city and district lovingly showcased their respective region. The event featured a lively display of the Belarusian language, traditional jokes and witty sayings, product exhibitions, tourist routes, and much more.
Thanks to this, the guests gained a comprehensive overview of our region. During his opening remarks, Dmitry Demidov emphasized:
– The work of deputies is focused on addressing pressing community issues and supporting the protection of citizens’ rights and interests. Deputies are closest to the people, interacting with their constituents almost daily and fully aware of the matters that require resolution. The public’s evaluation of the entire vertical of state authority depends on how effectively deputies perform their duties at the local level, which entails a significant responsibility for us.
Since 2019, the Regional Association of Local Councils of Deputies has been operating in the region. To enhance the efficiency of its activities, an Executive Directorate of the Association was established in February of this year. One of its key functions is organizing the review and support of civil initiative projects, as well as monitoring their implementation and consolidating best practices. Particular attention should also be given to the work of territorial public self-government bodies and village elders. These dedicated individuals perform vital work aimed at improving the standard of living and comfort in their communities, addressing matters of public space improvement, safety, organization of cultural events, and many other issues.
Igor Sergeenko noted the importance of strengthening interaction between state authorities:
– Our role at this forum is to discuss issues concerning the coordination of activities between deputies of the House of Representatives and local councils, as well as cooperation in addressing specific challenges. Our work in rural areas focuses on three key areas: processing citizens' appeals, analyzing law application practice, and implementing civil initiatives. The Vitebsk Region has demonstrated several successful cases of implementing initiatives originating from both residents and deputies. At this forum, we aim to discuss ways to further enhance our work and gather recommendations for potential legislative amendments.
Experience sharing regarding their respective territories was provided by Inna Khomutovskaya, Chairperson of the Orsha District Council of Deputies; Anna Bielyun, Chairperson of the Druye Village Council; and Natalya Markovich, Member of the Council of the Republic and Chairperson of the Ushachy District Council of Deputies. Olga Mlyavaya, Chairperson of the Youth Council under the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies, presented information on the council's activities.
The award ceremony for the winners of the video contest "My Council Is My Pride", held for the first time by the Vitebsk Regional Association of Local Councils of Deputies, was a moving and solemn occasion. It should be recalled that the first place was awarded to the Voropaevsky Rural Council of the Postavy District, the second place was shared by the Voronovsky Rural Council of the Vitebsk District and the Ivansky Rural Council of the Chashniki District, and the third place went to the Bykhichinsky Rural Council of the Gorodok District and Novopolotsk. The entry submitted by the Kopyssky Rural Council of the Orsha District was awarded the special prize of the regional organization of the Belarusian Union of Journalists.
During the forum, cooperation agreements were signed between the Association "Council of Municipal Formations of the Republic of Karelia" and the Vitebsk Regional Association of Local Councils of Deputies, as well as between the Pitkyaranta Municipal Okrug of the Republic of Karelia and the Gorodok District.