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.

Invitation to participate: X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC" opens application period

This autumn, a landmark event in the world of media and cinema will take place – the jubilee X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC." Directors, journalists, and multimedia content creators aged 16 to 35 are invited to participate in the youth competition "Eurasia.DOC: 4 Minutes." Applications are accepted until July 20.

The festival is organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Member States, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, and the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus. The festival's geography will traditionally unite two venues: the Union route will begin in Smolensk (September 28–30) and conclude in Minsk (October 1–2).

Authors of documentary films on themes reflecting the lives of people in the Eurasian space and beyond are invited to participate in the main festival. The application deadline is July 10. At a recent press conference, the organizing committee presented the main thematic directions: "85th Anniversary of the Beginning of the Great Patriotic War. Genocide of the Soviet People," "Women's World," "Greater Eurasia," "Small Homeland," and "The Nerve of Time. Overcoming." Additionally, a special prize "For the Best Film on a Historical Theme" has been established within the festival.

The youth competition accepts works with a running time of no more than 4 minutes. The organizers deliberately do not limit participants' creative freedom in choosing stories, seeking to see which themes and heroes concern the new generation of authors today.

Winners of the youth competition will receive cash prizes, diplomas, and special awards. A pleasant bonus will be gifts from sponsors, including professional filming and editing equipment.

Invitation to participate: X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC" opens application period

This autumn, a landmark event in the world of media and cinema will take place – the jubilee X International Documentary Film Festival of CIS Countries "Eurasia.DOC." Directors, journalists, and multimedia content creators aged 16 to 35 are invited to participate in the youth competition "Eurasia.DOC: 4 Minutes." Applications are accepted until July 20.

The festival is organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS Member States, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, and the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus. The festival's geography will traditionally unite two venues: the Union route will begin in Smolensk (September 28–30) and conclude in Minsk (October 1–2).

Authors of documentary films on themes reflecting the lives of people in the Eurasian space and beyond are invited to participate in the main festival. The application deadline is July 10. At a recent press conference, the organizing committee presented the main thematic directions: "85th Anniversary of the Beginning of the Great Patriotic War. Genocide of the Soviet People," "Women's World," "Greater Eurasia," "Small Homeland," and "The Nerve of Time. Overcoming." Additionally, a special prize "For the Best Film on a Historical Theme" has been established within the festival.

The youth competition accepts works with a running time of no more than 4 minutes. The organizers deliberately do not limit participants' creative freedom in choosing stories, seeking to see which themes and heroes concern the new generation of authors today.

Winners of the youth competition will receive cash prizes, diplomas, and special awards. A pleasant bonus will be gifts from sponsors, including professional filming and editing equipment.

Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno successfully showcased at the International Environmental Olympiad

The team of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took part in the 15th International Environmental Olympiad for Universities of the CIS Countries. The event brought together 44 teams from Commonwealth states and was held in a remote format.

YKSUG team included representatives of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology: 4th-year students Ihar Matveev and Palina Kashley, 3rd-year students Nikita Galagan and Daria Krotova, and 2nd-year student Maria Tolkach. The team was supervised by Volha Kremlyova, Associate Professor of the Department of Ecology.

The first challenge of the Olympiad was the "Team Business Card," in which the students presented the features of training ecologists at YKSUG, spoke about research activities, participation in environmental projects, as well as their professional interests and achievements.

In the creative competition, participants were asked to prepare an essay on the topical theme "Electric Transport: An Environmental Solution or a New Problem?" The YKSUG team considered this issue comprehensively, analyzing both the environmental advantages of electric transport and the challenges associated with battery production, resource consumption, and disposal issues.

A particularly serious test of knowledge was the theoretical round of the Olympiad. Its tasks included a wide range of issues in modern ecology: environmental and radiation safety, environmental monitoring, the concept of sustainable development, anthropogenic factors impacting the biosphere, conservation of biological diversity, rational use of natural resources, energy security, the impact of the environment on human health, demographic processes, and urbanization. The high level of training allowed the Kupala University team to take an honorable third place in this round.

The practical round, dedicated to finding environmentally sound solutions in urban planning and the construction of residential complexes, proved to be equally interesting. Our students presented their own project, in which they proposed modern approaches to shaping a comfortable urban environment taking into account the principles of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and rational resource use. The presented work was highly appreciated by the Olympiad experts and brought the team second place in the practical round.

The successful performance was the result of serious preparation, deep knowledge, and cohesive teamwork. Following the Olympiad, the students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno confirmed the high level of environmental education, the competitiveness of environmental specialist training on an international platform, and also demonstrated their creative potential, research competencies, and ability to work in a team.

We congratulate the YKSUG team and wish them further success!

Joint Institute with Qilu Normal University to start operating at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Cooperation between Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and Qilu Normal University is gaining new momentum. The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China has officially approved the establishment of a Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering between the two universities. The institute will begin its work in September 2026.

Joint work with Qilu Normal University began with the design of a joint 4+0 bachelor's educational program in "Biology" in 2023. An agreement on its implementation for training bachelors between YKSUG and Qilu Normal University in Jinan was signed in 2024. Currently, 108 Chinese students are studying under this program in China.

In 2025, the Chinese side proposed the creation of a joint institute. The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Faculty of Biology and Ecology, and Education Internationalization Centre of YKSUG, together with foreign colleagues, carried out fruitful work on the design of the Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering. The project includes training in three specializations: "Applied Mathematics," "Artificial Intelligence," and "Biochemistry."

In early 2026, the Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Iryna Kiturka, and the Rector of Qilu Normal University, Zheng Xiuwen, signed an agreement to establish the institute. Subsequently, in accordance with the requirements of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno took part in an online defense of the project to obtain approval for its implementation in China.

A few days ago, information appeared on the website of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China that the Joint Institute has been officially approved and will begin its work in September 2026.