Opening of the Confucius Institute and participation in the Rectors' Forum: Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno continues its work within the framework of the SCO Ministers of Education Meeting

On June 17, the meeting of the Ministers of Education of the SCO Member States continued its work in Minsk. Today, within the framework of this event, a conference on cooperation in education, research and production between China and Belarus, as well as the SCO University Rectors' Forum, took place. Active participants in these events were the delegation of YKSUG led by Rector Iryna Kiturka.
The China-Belarus International Conference on Cooperation in Education, Research and Production "Intellectual Interaction between China and Belarus – Joint Innovations in the Context of the Future" was held at the National Library of Belarus. Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was represented by Rector Iryna Kiturka and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Liavontsi Paulau.
A significant part of the event was the presentation of the initiative to open the Confucius Institute of YKSUG, which is being implemented by the Chinese International Foundation for the Development of Chinese Language Education, Xinjiang Normal University and YKSUG. The initiative is aimed at creating a new platform for mutual in-depth linguistic, cultural and scientific exchange between the two countries and will expand opportunities for studying Chinese language and culture for the Grodno region.
Also within the framework of the meeting, Iryna Kiturka together with the delegation of YKSUG took part in the Rectors' Forum of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization University. This event was timed to coincide with the jubilee tenth Meeting of the Ministers of Education of the SCO Member States and brought together on its platform the leadership, experts and leading scholars from key higher education institutions of seven countries.
Participation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno in such large-scale events allows strengthening the university's position on the international educational and scientific arena and friendly ties with partner universities.
Representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took part in the SCO Young Scientists Forum

On June 17, a large-scale event was held in Minsk – the SCO Young Scientists Forum, which brought together young researchers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states on a single platform. Among the participants were also representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.
The delegation of YKSUG included Barys Balakhonau, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Law and Procedure of the Faculty of Law; Ivan Yermak, Lecturer at the Department of Modern Programming Technologies of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science; and Alesia Stetskaya, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Natural Sciences and Linguistic Disciplines and Methods of Their Teaching of the Faculty of Pedagogy.
The forum was organized in two sections: the technical section, where presentations of modern IT solutions and engineering projects took place, and the humanitarian section, dedicated to current legal, social and linguistic research.
One of the main events of the forum was an exhibition of advanced Belarusian developments. In the exhibition showcasing key innovations of domestic universities, representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno presented unique projects and scientific-technical achievements of their institution to the guests of the event.
Participation of the our representatives in the forum provided the university with the opportunity to exchange experience, present the innovative potential of both their institution and the Grodno region as a whole, as well as establish strong international ties.
Delegation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno led by Rector Iryna Kiturka took part in the SCO University Conference

On June 16, a large-scale international event was held in Minsk – the tenth meeting of the Ministers of Education of the SCO Member States. The forum was chaired by Andrei Ivanets, Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus. Within the framework of the meeting, the SCO University Conference took place, in which a delegation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno led by Rector Iryna Kiturka actively participated.
The forum participants included more than 30 representatives of the SCO Member States, among them Ministers of Education and their deputies, university rectors, and staff of relevant institutions.
YKSUG was represented at the event, together with Iryna Kiturka, by Yuri Gnezdovsky, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy; Volha Yanchurevich, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology; Andrei Pranevich, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics; Volha Minava, Head of the International Cooperation Office; and Natalia Dorash, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work of the Faculty of Arts and Design.
During the SCO University Conference, the delegates discussed international cooperation in the field of education. Key topics included scientific-technical and innovative interaction in priority areas. Special attention was paid to the development of joint research and the implementation of projects of mutual interest contributing to the development of the education sector.
Students-translators of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno became prize winners of an International Translation Competition

Students of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno worthily represented the university at the annual International Competition of Scientific Translation Projects "LinguaBridge: Unity in Diversity." Following the intensive work, our students became holders of second and third-degree diplomas.
"LinguaBridge: Unity in Diversity" is a large-scale intellectual competition aimed at identifying and developing students' practical skills in analyzing and translating foreign language texts. This year, 512 students from 40 higher education institutions in Russia, Belarus, and countries abroad took part in the competition.
During the competition, our students performed translations of texts from English and German into Russian online.
A total of 215 students took part in the final stage, including six representatives of the "Linguistic Support of Intercultural Communications" specialization of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism of YKSUG.
Third-year students Anna Misyuta and Angelina Kuts were awarded third-degree diplomas in the English-to-Russian translation competition. In the German-to-Russian translation competition, a second-degree diploma was awarded to fourth-year student Anna Tokarchuk, and a third-degree diploma to fourth-year student Arseniy Sadyuk.
We congratulate our students and wish them further success!
Ihar Martynenko, professor of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, took part in educational events in Yekaterinburg

Ihar Martynenko, Head of the Department of Civil Law and Procedure, doctor of Juridical Sciences, professor of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, took part in a series of scientific-practical and educational-pedagogical events at the Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev in Yekaterinburg as part of an internship.
Ihar Martynenko was welcomed by Vladimir Bublik, Rector of the Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev, Doctor of Juridical Sciences, Professor, Honored Lawyer of Russia. After the business part of the meeting, our professor presented his Russian colleague with issues of the collection of scientific articles "Problems of Civil Law and Procedure," published at YKSUG.
During the visit, a discussion on forms of cooperation took place with the Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Research, Head of the International Cooperation Department, Head of the Research Management Office of the Ural State Law University named after V.F. Yakovlev. Ihar Martynenko also took part in a scientific discussion during the defense of the doctoral dissertation by Elena Ostanina.
In addition, during his visit to Yekaterinburg, Ihar Martynenko spoke as a panelist at the panel discussion "Memory Policy as an Interdisciplinary Tool of Social Technologies in Legal Science and Education: History and Modernity" within the framework of the European-Asian Legal Congress. Together with colleagues, Ihar Martynenko discussed the problems of scientific master's programs and the attestation of highly qualified scientific personnel.
During his visit to Yekaterinburg, Ihar Martynenko also visited the Ural State University of Economics and the Ural Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
During his visit to the Ural State University of Economics, forms of cooperation in educational-methodological and project activities were outlined. Here, a textbook "Public-Private Partnership" was published in co-authorship with scholars from both universities, which is used in the educational process of both educational institutions.
At the Ural Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, our professor met with the leadership of relevant departments, who accepted his methodology for qualifying offenses in the field of cultural heritage for use in the scientific-practical activities of police agencies.
This trip became an important step in the development of international cooperation between Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and universities in Yekaterinburg.
Representative of YKSUG presented a report at an International Scientific Conference in Turkmenistan

Barys Balakhonau, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Law and Procedure, took part in the International Scientific Conference "Science, Technology and Innovative Technologies in the Era of the Revival of the New Epoch of a Powerful State." The event was timed to coincide with the annual celebration of Science Day in Turkmenistan.
Within the framework of the conference, Barys Balakhonau delivered a scientific report on the topic "Settlement of Disputes through Negotiations between the Parties with the Assistance of Their Lawyers in the Republic of Belarus."
In his presentation, the speaker examined in detail the legal mechanisms and practical aspects of pre-trial dispute resolution. Special attention was paid to the role of lawyers as professional mediators in the negotiation process, which allows the parties to effectively reach consensus and minimize litigation costs.
Participation in such a significant international forum underscores the relevance of the presented research and contributes to strengthening scientific and legal dialogue between specialists from more than 10 countries.
Lecturers of the Faculty of Law of YKSUG spoke at the International European-Asian Legal Congress

From June 4 to 5, the nineteenth European-Asian Legal Congress was held in Yekaterinburg. The event brought together scholars and practitioners from EAEU and SCO member states who conduct research and address current legal challenges. This year, all platforms of the congress were united under the general theme: "The Synthesis of Law and Technology: Towards Technological Leadership."
The main task of the congress is to ensure an open exchange of opinions on issues of concern to the legal community, representatives of government authorities and business. Representatives of the Faculty of Law of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno – Sviatlana Cheburanova, Dean of the Faculty of Law; Ihar Martynenka, Head of the Department of Civil Law and Procedure; and Irena Kirvel, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Law and Procedure – spoke as speakers at the congress platforms and took part in interesting scientific discussions.
Sviatlana Cheburanova, Dean of the Faculty of Law of YKSUG, took part in the general meeting of participants and partners of the Consortium "European-Asian Legal University." At the session of the Legal Educational Forum, Sviatlana Cheburanova, together with colleagues from other countries, discussed the goals, development models and prospects of legal education.
Ihar Martynenka, Head of the Department of Civil Law and Procedure of the Faculty of Law, as a speaker at the round table "Memory Policy as an Interdisciplinary Tool of Social Technologies in Legal Science and Education: History and Modernity," delivered a plenary report on "Protecting Historical Memory and Truth, Rethinking the Concept of Cultural Genocide, Ensuring Responsibility for Its Commission." Within the framework of the Legal Educational Forum, Ihar Martynenka took part in a panel discussion on the problems of scientific master's programs and the attestation of highly qualified scientific personnel, sharing Belarusian experience in this field.
Irena Kirvel, Associate Professor of the Department of Civil Law and Procedure of the Faculty of Law, spoke as a speaker at the expert session "Arbitration in the Era of Technological Development: New Horizons and New Challenges" with a report on the integration of digital technologies into arbitration proceedings. In addition, at the round table "Information Technologies in Notarial Activities: Risks or Security?" organized by the Notarial Chamber of Sverdlovsk Region, Irena Kirvel spoke about the transformation of notarial procedures in the digital age.
Participation in the congress allowed representatives of YKSUG to exchange professional opinions with colleagues find new ideas for research and strengthen international business ties.
Graduate of the Humanitarian College of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno wins silver medal at International Championship

From May 27 to June 1, the final of the "Professionals" professional skills championship was held at the Federal Technopark of Vocational Education in Nizhny Novgorod. More than 10,000 people took part in and attended the event.
Belarusian competitors competed for victory in 6 international categories and 6 team categories of the competition program. Participants presented high-quality ideas ready for implementation in various sectors of the economy. The winners and prize-winners were 36 individuals.
A particular source of pride was the result in the "Graphic Design" category. Second place and the silver medal in the international competition category were won by Maria Pilipchik, a graduate of the Humanitarian College of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.
This success is the result not only of Maria's personal skill and perseverance but also of professional teamwork. Her mentor, Elena Prokopchik-Belyavskaya, an international expert and expert-mentor, led the young woman to victory on the international stage. Thanks to her attentive guidance, high pedagogical skill and support, the project of our graduate received high praise from the expert commission.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno sincerely congratulates Maria Pilipchik and Elena Prokopchik-Belyavskaya on this well-deserved and brilliant victory! We are proud that our graduates confirm the highest level of training, demonstrate competitiveness on the international stage, and write their names into the history of professional excellence. We wish Maria new creative heights, inexhaustible inspiration and a successful professional career, and Elena – new talented students and the achievement of further pedagogical peaks!
Unconference "Barcamp ByProject 2026" to be held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

On June 26, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will become a venue for international scientific work. The unconference for educators of educational institutions, "Barcamp ByProject 2026," organized as part of the remote international educational marathon "Kupala Projects," will take place here.
The organizers have prepared a rich program for participants. The barcamp will feature not only traditional presentations but also lectures, round tables, and brainstorming sessions. Additionally, participants can expect games, theatrical performances, pecha kucha-style presentations, debates and discussions.
The event is organized in in-person, remote, and correspondence formats. From 11:40 to 13:00, the meeting will take place in room 225 at Ozheszko str., 22 (in-person and remote), and from 13:30 to 15:00 – remotely in room 210.
Digital materials presented by barcamp participants will be published and deposited, and those who present at the conference will receive electronic certificates.
To participate, you must register via the link https://kp.grsu.by/.
Contact information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (the subject line of the email must include "Barcamp"); tel.: +80152-395895.
Round table "30 years of the Republican Festival of National Cultures" held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

The event, dedicated to the law enforcement practice of legislation on national minorities, took place on June 5. It was organized by the Standing Commission of the House of Representatives on Human Rights, National Relations and Mass Media, the Commissioner for Religious and National Affairs, and the Grodno Regional Executive Committee.
The round table on the theme "30 years of the Republican Festival of National Cultures. Law Enforcement Practice of Legislation on National Minorities" was held as part of the XV Republican Festival of National Cultures in Grodno.
Mikalai Buzin, Chairman of the Standing Commission of the House of Representatives on Human Rights, National Relations and Mass Media, Doctor of Military Sciences, Professor, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech.
– Today, at this round table, we will discuss two topics: the anniversary of the festival and law enforcement practice. And our main task is to determine whether we have enough in legislative terms to address the issues facing our diasporas today.
Aleksandr Rumak, Commissioner for Religious and National Affairs, Candidate of Historical Sciences, noted in his address to the audience that the Festival of National Cultures is a demonstration of living history of unity on Belarusian land. It is proof that dozens of nationalities can live on the same land without strife, in peace and harmony:
– Representatives of 165 nationalities and 25 faiths live in Belarus. Our country builds interfaith dialogue on the principles of equality. Both the Constitution and the Law "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations" stipulate that all faiths and religious organizations are equal before the law. Likewise, all citizens, regardless of their religion, are equal before the law.
As noted by Alena Pasyuta, Chairperson of the Grodno Regional Council of Deputies, today, June 5, Grodno is hosting the XV Republican Festival of National Cultures. This year's celebration is dedicated to the 30-year history and traditions of the festival, which has been held every two years since 1996. In her speech, she spoke about the history of the festival and noted that during this year's festival, a time capsule with a message to descendants was laid.
On behalf of the Rector of YKSUG, Iryna Kiturka, First Vice-Rector Aleksandr Karevskiy welcomed the participants of the round table:
– It is gratifying that the venue for the round table has been Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. We have 2,500 international students from 27 countries studying with us; every fourth student is an international student. Therefore, intercultural
dialogue is not just a priority, it is a fundamental part of our university's mission and one of the priority directions of our Development Strategy.
Within the framework of the round table, reports were delivered by: Eduard Severin, member of the Standing Commission of the House of Representatives on Human Rights, National Relations and Mass Media, Candidate of Political Sciences; Oleg Romanov, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission of the House of Representatives on Human Rights, National Relations and Mass Media, Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Professor; Vladimir Gavrilovich, member of the Standing Commission of the House of Representatives on Human Rights, National Relations and Mass Media, head of the working group of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus for Belarusians Abroad, Honored Cultural Worker of the Republic of Belarus; and Vladislav Kadira, Chairman of the Belarusian Public Association of Ukrainians "Vatra."
Participants in the dialogue platform discussed the political and legal status of national minorities in the Republic of Belarus, the sociocultural significance of national diversity, the contribution of contemporary Belarusian culture to the formation of national identity of Belarusians abroad, and the interaction of national-cultural public associations with state structures of the Republic of Belarus using the example of the Belarusian Public Association of Ukrainians "Vatra."
The round table was attended by leaders of national-cultural public associations, who proposed the creation of a House of Nationalities, whose activities would be aimed at preserving cultural identity, strengthening interethnic peace and supporting dialogue with government representatives.
After the speeches, a discussion and summing up of the round table took place.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno discussed Joint Interaction with Urgench Ranch University of Technology

On June 5, an online meeting was held between leading specialists of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Urgench Ranch University of Technology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The main topic of the meeting was identifying key areas of interaction.
The delegation of Urgench Ranch University of Technology included: Zafar Ibragimov, Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, Technology Transfer and Global Cooperation; Javokhir Ataboev, Head of the International Cooperation Department; Akbarjon Masharipov, Methodologist of the International Cooperation Department; Maksuda Yusupova, Chief Specialist of the Organization of Research Activities of Gifted Students Department; and Feruza Rakhimbaeva, Head of the Department of Scientific Research, Innovation and Training of Scientific and Pedagogical Personnel.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was represented by: Natalia Bashun, Vice-Rector for Research; Alena Belakoz, Head of the Education Internationalization Centre; Anton Glazev, Head of the Research Division; and Anna Milasheuskaya, Leading Specialist of the International Cooperation Office.
After an exchange of greetings, Natalia Bashun expressed gratitude to the foreign colleagues for taking the initiative in inter-university interaction. The parties then presented their educational institutions, shared their main achievements, and proceeded to discuss promising areas of partnership proposed by the Uzbek side. The colleagues discussed the participation of staff and students in international scientific conferences, conducting joint research and jointly publishing its results, training of highly qualified scientific personnel, academic mobility of staff and students, and the implementation of joint educational programs.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Natalia Bashun thanked the representatives of Urgench Ranch University of Technology for the open dialogue and expressed hope for further fruitful cooperation.
For reference: Urgench Ranch University of Technology began its activities on November 5, 2021 as part of the joint-stock company "UrgenchKormmash," which was established in September 1981 on the basis of the production facilities of the Lyubertsy Plant named after Ukhtomsky in the Moscow region. The university's structure includes four faculties: the Faculty of Economics, as well as the Faculties of Pedagogy and Philology, Innovative Technologies, and Medical Sciences. Also, five scientific and educational laboratories operate at Urgench Ranch University of Technology: laboratories for physics, chemistry, mechanics, electrical engineering, and IT development.
Urgench Ranch University of Technology is actively developing partnerships with leading foreign universities. Through student and faculty exchange programs, the
institution collaborates with reputable educational institutions from the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Japan, the Czech Republic, and the United States.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno outlined cooperation paths with Luran School from China

On June 5, a meeting was held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno with a representative of the People's Republic of China. The main topic of the visit was identifying promising areas for cooperation.
The Chinese side was represented by Wang Zhaohui, Deputy Director of the Institute of Pedagogical Sciences of Sichuan Luran Technology Group. The delegation was accompanied by Zhanna Gritskevich, Deputy Head of the Administration of the Oktyabrsky District of Grodno.
Taking part in the meeting from Kupala University were: Liavontsi Paulau, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Volha Minava, Head of the International Cooperation Office; Alesia Belko, Head of the International Projects and Academic Mobility Office; Renata Novik, Specialist of the International Cooperation Office; and Wang Tao, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Translation and Intercultural Communication.
After welcoming remarks, representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno invited the guest to become better acquainted with the history, traditions and achievements of the university by showing a multimedia presentation.
During the negotiations, the parties proceeded to discuss promising areas of cooperation between the institutions. The following were identified as key vectors of interaction: studying the personnel training system and subsequently organizing presentations of the university among students to promote YKSUG's educational programs; organizing academic mobility and professional interaction for teachers from Luran School at Kupala University through participation in professional development and postgraduate education programs; and studying the experience of implementing cultural-educational programs and internships at YKSUG with a view to jointly designing and implementing specialized training courses for school students.
At the conclusion of the negotiations, Liavontsi Paulau thanked Wang Zhaohui for the meeting and productive dialogue, and presented him with commemorative gifts. After the official part, the guest was given a sightseeing tour of YKSUG.
For reference: Luran School in Suining is a prestigious private boarding school offering continuous twelve-year education. Its predecessor was the Nanynan International School, founded in 2013. In 2017, the school's educational activities were modernized by the Luran Group. The educational institution combines primary, middle and elite high school, as well as an international department for admission to foreign universities.
Luran School has introduced an innovative continuous education system of 5.5 + 2.5 + 4 years for primary, middle and high school. Students with good academic performance may study high school programs early and prepare for competition under an enhanced basic preparation program.
Luran School is one of the most reputable and popular private educational institutions in Suining. Its academic performance is consistently among the best in the region, and its graduates successfully enter prestigious higher education institutions.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Azerbaijan University of Languages discussed areas of cooperation

On June 4, an online meeting was held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno with a delegation from Azerbaijan University of Languages. The parties discussed promising areas of cooperation.
Azerbaijan University of Languages was represented by: Gamida Aliyeva, Vice-Rector for Research; Zhala Garibova, Vice-Rector for International Relations; Zeynal Jafarov, Head of the International Relations Department; Sevda Imanova, Head of the Science Department; and Sergey Klimov, Director of the Belarusian Language and Culture Center.
Participants from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno included: Natalia Bashun, Vice-Rector for Research; Anton Glazeu, Head of the Research Division; Alena Belakoz, Head of the Education Internationalization Centre; Volha Minava, Head of the Internationa Cooperation Office; and Alesia Belko, Head of the International Projects and Academic Mobility Office.
After welcoming remarks from Natalia Bashun and expressions of gratitude from the Azerbaijani colleagues for supporting the annual "Kupala Dictation" event, the participants presented presentations on the activities and achievements of their respective institutions. The parties then proceeded to discuss promising areas of interaction in socio-humanitarian research fields such as personality psychology, crisis and positive psychology; problems of civilizational development, globalization and regionalization in the modern world; theoretical and methodological foundations of historical research, theory and history of culture; research on the "personality–language–society" triad in a changing world; current issues in public branches of law, private international law and public international law. The colleagues also discussed the participation of staff and students in international scientific conferences, conducting joint research and publishing its results. Furthermore, the discussion covered the development of joint educational programs with double degrees and the exchange of staff for lecturing and internships.
At the conclusion of the online meeting, Natalia Bashun thanked the foreign colleagues for the productive dialogue and expressed hope for further development of interaction.
For reference: The history of Azerbaijan University of Languages dates back to 1937, when the Faculty of Foreign Languages was established at the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute. In 1948, the independent Azerbaijan Institute of Foreign Languages was opened. Azerbaijan University of Languages as an independent higher education institution was founded in 1973. The university's structure includes six faculties and 23 centers.
In the QS World University Rankings, Azerbaijan University of Languages consistently ranks in the group 151–200 of the world's best universities in the "Modern Languages"
category, and 251–300 in the "Linguistics" category. Within the country, Azerbaijan University of Languages confidently maintains leadership as a leading specialized university in the fields of linguistics, translation studies, and international relations.
Azerbaijan University of Languages has bilateral agreements with dozens of leading universities in Europe, Asia and the CIS. Additionally, resource and cultural centers established with the support of foreign embassies operate at the university.
Cooperation with Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno began on February 21, 2025. On that day, representatives of the Belarusian Language and Culture Center at Azerbaijan University of Languages, with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the Republic of Azerbaijan, took part in the "Kupala Dictation" event dedicated to International Mother Language Day. On February 23, 2026, representatives of Azerbaijan University of Languages again joined this event. On February 26, a letter was sent to Azerbaijan University of Languages expressing gratitude for supporting the project and the participation of the Center's staff, along with concrete proposals for developing interaction. A response letter, in which the Rector of AUL expressed readiness to develop inter-university ties, was received by YKSUG in April.