On July 20, a roundtable discussion titled “Belarusian University in Exile: Experience, Responsibility and the Future” was held. The event was organized by the Belarusian Association of Education and Science. It brought together 19 representatives of the Belarusian academic and expert community, educational and civic initiatives, as well as political and cultural figures.
The participants discussed issues related to Belarusian education and science in exile, including the European Humanities University, Volny Belaruski University, the Belarusian Academy, and the Astafiej Valovich Belarusian Research University initiative.
The participants concluded that the issue of establishing a fully fledged Belarusian university in exile cannot yet be considered resolved. Outside Belarus, there is an entire ecosystem of organizations, programs, and research centers, but the question of creating an institution that would combine a Belarusian national mission, fundamental research, educational programs, and recognized academic status remains open.
The roundtable explored possible models for such an institution. One proposal was to establish a compact research university for a limited number of students, bringing together educational programs at different levels, a Belarusian studies center, and partnerships with leading European universities. This model was discussed as one possible option rather than a final solution.
The discussion also revealed differences of opinion. These centered on whether the university should have official status and full academic programs from the outset or initially develop as a more flexible intellectual and networking platform.
Participants also expressed differing views on the future of the European Humanities University, ranging from a proposal to make another attempt to transform it into a Belarusian university to the view that a new Belarusian institution should be established on a different basis.
Following the meeting, the Belarusian Association of Education and Science plans to prepare a working document outlining the principles for establishing a Belarusian university in exile and to continue expert discussions of the initiative.
