"Belarus and Russia: Intersection of Destinies" – a dialogue at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

On April 2, the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno became a venue for an open dialogue dedicated to the partnership relations between the two countries. The meeting brought together faculty and 1st–5th year students seeking a deeper understanding of the historical path and prospects of Belarusian-Russian cooperation.
The event was opened by Siarhei Amelka, Head of the Department of Belarusian History, Archaeology and Special Historical Disciplines. Siarhei Amelka presented the historical context of Russian-Belarusian relations to the participants, highlighting the key stages of their development. As part of the meeting, a report from the First Information Channel News.by, "Day of Unity of the Peoples of Belarus and Russia: How It All Began and What Has Been Achieved Together?", was screened. The video allowed participants to visually trace the path traveled by Belarus and Russia and appreciate the scale of jointly implemented projects.
Aliaksandr Arlukevich, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work of the Faculty of Psychology, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science and Sociology, Candidate of Historical Sciences, presented a report titled "The Union State: Achievements and Prospects". Aliaksandr Arlukevich analyzed the key successes in the development of the Union State and outlined the main directions for its further strengthening.
Professor Edmund Jarmusik, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Belarusian History, Archaeology and Special Historical Disciplines of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, presented a report on "Cooperation between the Grodno Region and the Regions of Russia: Current State and Prospects". In his speech, Edmund Jarmusik paid special attention to the practical aspects of interaction at the regional level, identifying both existing achievements and potential opportunities for further development.
Meeting with a delegation of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Belarus took place at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

The delegation included Alisher Babaev, Advisor to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Belarus; Consul Nodir Usarov; Aziz Rakhimov, Assistant to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Belarus; and Azizkhuja Ganikhujaev, Assistant to the Consul. The meeting was held today, April 2.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee: Yuri Vorobey, Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department, and Yulia Byk, Deputy Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department; representatives of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno: Aksana Kotava, Head of the Ideological and Educational Work Department; Alena Belakoz, Head of the Education Internationalization Center; Alesia Belko, Head of the International Projects and Academic Mobility Department; Volha Minava, Head of the International Cooperation Department; as well as students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno who are citizens of Uzbekistan.
Cooperation between Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and higher education institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan dates back to 2009, when a Cooperation Agreement was signed with the Tashkent Automobile and Road Institute, now known as the Tashkent State Transport University. To date, YKSUG collaborates with universities of the Republic of Uzbekistan under 29 interuniversity agreements, six of which were signed in 2025.
Today's visit was the sixth and began with a welcome speech by Liavontsi Paulau, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.
"Representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan visit our university regularly, which indicates the attention paid to us not only by the Embassy representatives but by the entire country," noted Liavontsi Paulau.
Alisher Babaev, Advisor to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Belarus, also addressed the meeting participants. In his speech, Alisher Babaev emphasized that the Embassy's doors are always open to citizens of his country and that students can count on help and support by reaching out with any issues — as protecting the interests of their compatriots remains a priority of the diplomatic mission.
Special attention at the meeting was paid to compliance with internal regulations and public order. The participants discussed preventive measures for delinquency prevention aimed at improving legal awareness and fostering responsible behavior among international students. After the open dialogue, the students actively inquired about the possibility of doing internships at the Embassy.
At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Belarus was given a tour of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.
Ambition should be rewarded: High Technology Park invites you to participate in competitions for grants

The Secretariat of the Supervisory Board of the High Technology Park has announced the launch of two open public grant competitions aimed at supporting talented students and teachers, encouraging their professional development, and facilitating staffing for the country's innovative economy.
Participants eligible for the "IT Bonus of HTP" student grant are citizens of the Republic of Belarus who are enrolled in the 1st or 2nd year of full-time study at higher education institutions in specialized IT fields. A student may nominate themselves, or the university may nominate a candidate.
To participate in the competition, applicants must submit to the Secretariat of the Supervisory Board of the High Technology Park: an application form, an essay on the topic "My Contribution to the Development of the IT Sector of Belarus", a transcript of academic records, a portfolio of achievements, a recommendation from the faculty or educational institution leadership, and consent to the processing of personal data.
The "For Contribution to the Development of IT Education" grant for teachers may be awarded to faculty members of higher education institutions who have at least 3 years of pedagogical experience. Nominations for this grant may be submitted by the university or resident companies of the High Technology Park through the Educational Council of the High Technology Park.
To nominate a teacher for the competition, the nominating party must submit to the Secretariat of the Supervisory Board of the High Technology Park: an extract from the decision of the higher education institution's council, a reference letter, the candidate's portfolio, and consent to the processing of personal data.
The deadline for submitting documents for participation in both competitions is May 31.
We invite members of the Kupala community to participate!
Detailed information about the competition and the required document forms can be found at the link.
The public speaking competition "Ciceronius–2026" was held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

The event, which was attended by students, including international students, as well as trainees and cadets of the university, took place on April 1.
As part of the competition, participants faced three stages that fully revealed their skills as public speakers.
In the first stage, called "Business Card", the contestants prepared a presentation about themselves. In the second stage – the impromptu speech contest "Point of View" – participants demonstrated their improvisation skills. After drawing a topic, they had to elaborate on it without prior preparation. The topics were very diverse, ranging from life values and friendship to choosing one's path in life. In the third stage, the "Performance Contest," contestants had to deliver a pre-prepared speech on the theme "Belarusian Woman: Peace. Creation. Love". International students had a different assignment – they were to give a presentation about their country and its customs.
Based on the results of the three competitive rounds, the honorary first place was taken by Ivan Muzychko, a 1st-year student of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism. Second place went to Valeria Kovalenko, a 1st-year student of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, and third place rightfully went to Marya Maretskaya, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Law.
An equally vibrant and inspiring competition took place among the international participants, where first place was won by Akgozel Ilamanova, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Philology. The holder of second place was Merjen Nurgeldieva, a 1st-year student of the Faculty of Philology, and rounding out the top three in third place was Alonso Jose Cespedes Zabala, a 4th-year student of the Faculty of Law.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno to host scientific conference on transport and mechanical engineering

On May 29, the Faculty of Engineering at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will host the X International Scientific Conference of Young Scientists "Engineering and Economic Support for Transport and Mechanical Engineering Activities".
Students, master's students, doctoral students, young scientists without an academic degree, as well as senior school students from secondary schools, gymnasiums, and lyceums are invited to participate.
Within the framework of the conference, participants will be able to present papers in four sections: "Engineering Support for Mechanical Engineering Production," "Engineering Support for Transport Activities," "Problems of Logistics in Transport and Mechanical Engineering," and "Engineering Start: Current Issues in Mechanical Engineering Production, Transport, and Logistics" (for senior school students). The working languages of the conference are Belarusian, Russian, and English.
To become a participant, it is necessary to register by April 15 and attach a file with the paper to the registration form. The registration form must be completed separately for each co-author. Participation is available in in-person, correspondence, and online formats.
We invite all interested parties to participate!
Detailed information about the conference and formatting requirements can be found on the Faculty of Engineering website.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno invites you to participate in the competition for grants from the University's Innovative Development Fund for 2026

The competition organized by Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno is aimed at supporting research and innovation projects, as well as developing student technological entrepreneurship.
The competition for grants from the University's Innovation Development Fund for 2026 will be held in three stages. The first stage will last until May 8 and includes the submission of applications for the competition, along with the provision of a business project and its feasibility study. The second stage will run from May 11 to May 29, during which the submitted materials will be reviewed. The third stage will take place from June 1 to June 19, featuring the selection of projects and the announcement of results.
The competition provides funding for research projects with a duration of up to one calendar year, with a funding amount not exceeding 25,000 Belarusian rubles; startup projects, including those that have won or placed in open university student startup competitions; and projects for prototyping student developments, with a funding amount not exceeding 15,000 Belarusian rubles.
To participate in the competition, applicants must complete an application form and submit it to the Research Division of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno at 22 Ozeshko St., Room 403.
Civic-Patriotic Marathon "Time Chose Us" will be held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

From May 4 to May 7, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will become a center of patriotic education. Over these four days, the university will host the International Civic-Patriotic Marathon "Time Chose Us". Participants will include more than 20 educational institutions from the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
As part of the marathon, participants will compete in a variety of activities.
In the creative category "Youth. Initiative. Future," competitors will take part in the video contest "No One is Forgotten, Nothing is Forgotten," dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War, the "Creative Presentation of the Educational Institution" contest, and the creative competition "We Are the Heirs of Victory!"
To demonstrate their intellectual abilities, participants can join the "Connoisseurs of Native Land" category, which includes the "Erudite" intellectual game and a debate competition.
Participants will also be engaged in the category "Together – in Defense of Life, Morality, and Family Values," which focuses on family values. This category will feature the "Hot Bread" and "Making Decorative Wooden Products" contests.
In the military-applied category "Ready to Defend the Fatherland," competitors will face challenges such as "Marksman," "Thrower," "Fire Group," "Drone Operator," and "Tactical Shooting (Rifle)," as well as a military-sports relay race titled "Ready to Defend the Fatherland."
In addition to military-sports competitions, participants will also take part in purely athletic events. As part of the "Together – for a Healthy Lifestyle" event, they will compete in Gorodki, play darts, football, and volleyball, and participate in the sports relay "Healthy Me – Healthy Country."
Follow the competition on the website and social media pages of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.
Students of YKSUG are invited to participate in the II Youth Forum of the Union State

From April 28 to 30, the II Youth Forum of the Union State of Belarus and Russia will be held in Minsk at the Belarusian State Economic University. Students from Belarusian and Russian universities are eligible to become participants.
The forum is organized by the "Russian House" public association in Minsk (Rossotrudnichestvo), in partnership with the Belarusian State Economic University, the A.V. Makarenko OECONOMICUS Economics Club of MGIMO, and the Eurasian Educational Institute of MGIMO.
As part of the forum, participants will have the opportunity to work in four sections: "Economic and Industrial Integration," "Youth Entrepreneurship," "Digital Economy and Innovation," and "Foreign Economic Activity and Competitiveness." The sections will be conducted in a team-based case-solving format, followed by presentations to experts. The best teams will be awarded commemorative prizes based on the forum's outcomes.
To participate in the competitive selection, applicants must complete an application form by April 8 and then undergo a brief online interview with the forum's organizing team.
Marya Maretskaya and Darya Davydik, students of the Faculty of Law of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, became the winners of the international creative competition on the law of the BRICS countries

From March 5 to 12, the International Creative Presentation Competition "Law of the BRICS Countries: The Youth's Perspective" was held in the Russian city of Orekhovo-Zuyevo, at the Faculty of Law of the State University of Humanities and Technology.
The competition brought together secondary school students, college students, and university students. It was organized with the aim of engaging young people in the field of international legal relations and intercultural cooperation, as well as promoting issues related to BRICS in the sphere of law.
In the "Legal Comparative Studies" category, Marya Maretskaya, a 3rd-year student specializing in "Customs Affairs" at the Faculty of Law, was awarded first place, while Darya Davydik, a 4th-year student specializing in "Jurisprudence" at the Faculty of Law, took third place.
The academic supervisors – Irina Moiseeva, Associate Professor at the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Forensic Science, and Natalia Gabets, Senior Lecturer at the Department of International Law – received letters of gratitude for their preparation of the contestants.
Rima Klyuchko, lecturer at the Yanka Kupala State University, took part in the discussion of legal acts on improving the legislation of the CSTO member states

On March 26, a meeting of the Expert Advisory Council under the Council of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly was held in St. Petersburg. Rima Klyuchko, Head of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, took part in the event.
During the meeting, the participants discussed two draft model legal acts. The first one concerned recommendations on improving the legislation of the CSTO member states in the field of the use of electronic warfare forces and assets by the contingents of one CSTO member state, which are part of the groups of Troops (Collective Forces) CSTO, on the territory of another CSTO member state. During the second session, the participants discussed recommendations on harmonizing the legislation of the CSTO member states to ensure internal stability and counteract technologies of external destructive influence aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation.
During the discussion, the participants noted that due to high integration ties, the destabilization of the situation in one CSTO state could cause negative processes in other countries of the Organization. In this regard, the participants paid special attention to the improvement of criminal law protection measures. It was suggested that criminal laws should provide for liability for receiving foreign aid to carry out extremist activities or finance mass events, as well as for bribing citizens to participate in illegal actions.
The participation of a representative of YKSUG in such an event underlines the recognition of the university's expertise in the international arena.
International online school for future German language teachers, jointly with the Northern Arctic Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, has completed its work

From February 19 to March 26, Anna Zmitrukevich, Iryna Mikhalevich, Natalia Yakutenok, teachers of the Department of Romano-Germanic Philology at YKSUG, and 3rd-year students participated in the third online school of the future German teacher, Innovative German Language Teaching Technologies.
The event was organized by the Department of Romano-Germanic Philology of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno under the leadership of Tatyana Skorobogataya, Head of the Department, and the Department of German-French Philology of the Northern Arctic Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov under the leadership of Maria Sakalova, Head of the Department.
During the month, Russian and Belarusian teachers introduced students to the use of innovative technologies in teaching German. The innovative technologies presented during the seminars facilitate language learning, increase motivation, form and develop the competence of all participants, activate the exchange of experience and knowledge. During the classes, students got acquainted with popular AI services, online platforms and technological tools, learned how to compose assignments for literary texts, and learned about the positive culture of correcting mistakes.
Upon graduation from the online school, the participants received certificates confirming their studies at the international online school of the future German teacher "Innovative German Language Teaching Technologies".
Novruz Bayram was celebrated at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

Traditionally, every year the peoples of the East celebrate the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new life cycle – Novruz. Today, on March 27, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno also joined the celebration of this "warm" holiday by holding the IX Open Festival "Novruz Bayram".
The celebration started in the morning. An interactive platform "Oriental Bazaar" was held on the first floor of the main building. The foreign students prepared for everyone the wisdom of the East, national treats, as well as the presentation "Novruz of different years", in which they told the history of the festival.
Then the Kaleidoscope of Creativity exhibition was waiting for the participants. After bright welcoming creative performances, Iryna Kiturka, Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, addressed all those present.
– This is the ninth time we have held this holiday, and we are very happy and thank you for bringing your family traditions to our country. And we honestly say that we really want you to take a piece of Belarus in your heart when you leave. And thanks to you, a piece of your countries will forever remain with us and at our university," Iryna Kiturka noted.
After the welcoming words, the Kupala residents immediately plunged into the atmosphere of the holiday. The participants had the opportunity to taste the national dishes of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan – traditional pilaf with meat, dolma, baklava, samsa, manti, chak-chak, pastries, as well as traditional Chinese noodles, shanezhki and pancakes with honey.
Then the students from Turkmenistan demonstrated their national dance "Bilezik" to all those present.
A colorful part of the fair was an exhibition of costumes of Turkmenistan and a presentation of the country's wedding tradition. Through bright fabrics and traditional embroidery, international students immersed the participants of the celebration even more into their culture and introduced them to the main rituals and rituals of traditional marriage, and even vividly demonstrated them.
After tasting delicious foreign treats and exploring the culture, a dance flash mob awaited the guests of the holiday. At the Universum gallery, everyone could indulge in the incendiary rhythms of music and dance Turkmen and Uzbek dances.
The culmination of the celebration was a large-scale concert. Addressing the participants of the holiday again, Iryna Kiturka emphasized that Novruz truly united the hearts of Kupala residents.
– I am so glad and so proud that there are many international students at our university, and your culture enriches us. Your opportunity to study in our country, and our opportunity to touch your traditions, your holiday, is such a mutual enrichment that money cannot buy. It can only be when it's all from the heart," Iryna Kiturka noted.
Iryna Kiturka also wished everyone a pleasant concert and made sure once again that students at Kupala University identify, unleash and realize their potential. The concert filled everyone present with unforgettable emotions. National dances, songs and incendiary modern performances inflamed the hearts of the audience, filling them with the spirit of festive unity.
Novruz Bayram at YKSUG has once again become a celebration of unity not only of the peoples of the East, but also of all representatives of other countries studying at the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, showing that friendship of peoples knows no borders at our Alma mater.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly visited Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno

On March 26, a delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly arrived at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The purpose of the visit was to meet with the university's management and international students.
The visit of the delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly began with a warm and cordial welcome. Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno Iryna Kiturka welcomed the members of the delegation, and students from Turkmenistan created a special national flavor and a homely atmosphere. According to the tradition of their homeland, Kupala residents greeted the honored guests with a national dish – chorek. Charged with positive energy, the participants of the visit went to the hall for an open dialogue.
Iryna Kiturka, Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, addressed the participants of the meeting with a welcoming speech.
– Today we have the great honor to receive at our university the delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus, headed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly. We are grateful to you, dear Mr. Ambassador, for your attention to our university, for caring for students, and for your assistance in establishing and strengthening cooperation with institutions of higher education in Turkmenistan! – Iryna Kiturka emphasized. – Today's visit of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly, is not the first. This is the fifth visit to our university, and our solemn event today is dedicated to an important topic – familiarization with the motto of Turkmenistan in 2026 – "Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses" and the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's state independence.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly addressed the participants of the meeting.
– I have been maintaining friendly relations with your educational institution for a long time. We will divide our meeting today into two stages. We will introduce you to the events held in Turkmenistan, and the second stage will be a friendly conversation with our citizens studying at the university. If anyone has any questions or difficulties, we will look for ways to resolve them with the leadership of the educational institution," Shakuliyev Nazarkuly said.
In his address, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly touched upon the historical and cultural aspects of cooperation between our countries. Special attention was paid in the speech to the common history of the peoples of the USSR, in which brotherhood and mutual assistance were tempered. Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly noted that in 2026 Turkmenistan celebrates a landmark date – the 35th anniversary of its independence, the path of which was marked by the desire for peace and progress. Ambassador Shakuliyev Nazarkuly stressed that a neutral policy allows the country to be a reliable partner and peacemaker, and also expressed the hope that the younger generation of both countries will respect the rich cultural heritage of the post-Soviet countries, preserving and enhancing the traditions of friendship that have bound our peoples for many years.
During the meeting, a book was presented, which was given by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, "Turkmenistan's neutrality is a bright path of peace and trust". The book is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's neutrality.
"Last year we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutral status, and our esteemed President gave us a gift – a book," Shakuliyev Nazarkuly shared. – For the Turkmen people, neutrality is a natural continuation of our history, culture, spirituality, and national character. The main condition for the strength and prosperity of the previously existing Turkmen states, as well as the basis for the prosperity and well-being of the entire nation, was the Turkmen mentality. Broad openness to the world, willingness to cooperate, natural peacefulness, tolerance and respect for other people's opinions – all these features, formed over several millennia, form the essence of the national mentality of the Turkmen.
After Mr. Shakuliyev Nazarkuly speech, Rector Iryna Kiturka noted the similarity in the mentality of the Belarusian and Turkmen peoples.
The First Secretary of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus Achylov Myratkhan spoke about the strategy of Turkmenistan's motto in 2026 – "Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses."
– The policy of open doors and broad international cooperation, successfully implemented under the leadership of respected President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, under the motto of 2026 "Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the birthplace of purposeful winged horses," is vividly reflected in the multifaceted events conducted by the Ministry and departments of the country. The ongoing political consultations, business negotiations in a unilateral and multilateral format, and international forums attest to the growing authority of the Motherland on the world stage," Achylov Myratkhan emphasized. – The symbolism of the current motto is determined not only by the historical commitment of the people to their roots, but also by the objective realities of our time. The name of the year is a direct projection of the high rates that were set in 2025 as part of the implementation of government programs.
At the meeting, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly once again reminded the Kupala residents about the rules of residence in the country, as well as the need to comply with them. In addition, everyone was able to ask questions. The students were interested in organizing trips to their homeland during the holidays, the possibility of participating in an inclusive study abroad program, money transfers, and many others.
The meeting ended with a performance by students from Turkmenistan with creative performances. In turn, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly read his own poetic work, which is dedicated to his Homeland, Turkmenistan.
Further, the delegation of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus, headed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus Shakuliyev Nazarkuly, conducted a sightseeing tour of the university and the city of Grodno.