Belarus in Focus

In 2025, we need all eyes and ears to track world news — and amidst the geopolitical turmoil, one country is consistently understudied. Belarus is a dictatorial European state, a crucial player in the Russian war in Ukraine, the birthplace of a powerful democratic opposition movement, and last but anything-but-least, a country with a rich cultural history of its own. But Belarus is also a place that receives skimp attention in news media.

At 'Belarus in Focus,' the University of Amsterdam's Slavic Department, Study Association Radost, and the Dutch diplomatic representation in Minsk join forces to boost attention for the country, with short talks, film clips, and a panel discussion. Please join us and use the occasion to firm your grasp on Belarusian language, culture, literature, human rights, migration, and geopolitics — with help from diplomats, researchers, activists, and creative professionals who rank among the best-informed experts of and from the country. Audience members can engage in conversations with these experts in a concluding Q&A.

Speakers (biographies below):

René Kersten (Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belarus), Daša Słabčanka (Belarusian activist), Kaspar Pucek (Research fellow, Clingendael Institute) Moderator: Eva Peek (Slavic scholar, NRC).

Programme Overview

• 17.00-17.15 Welcome by Professor Ellen Rutten (UvA Slavic Studies
• department) & opening by moderator Eva Peek (NRC Handelsblad)
• 17.15-17.30 Introductory talk on Belarus by René Kersten (Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belarus)
• 17.30-17.45 Short films by Tasha Arlova (artist/filmmaker), Artemij Vashkevich (Young European Ambassador, Council of Europe)
• 17.45-18.30 Panel discussion with René Kersten (Chargé d'affaires a.i. of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Belarus), Kaspar Puck (research fellow, Clingendael Institute), Daša Slabčanka (Belarusian activist)
• 17.30-19.00 Q&A, drinks