The Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research (BISR) has launched a new nationwide expert dialogue titled “The Image of Belarus 2026–2030.” As part of the “People’s Five-Year Plan” project, BISR analysts, together with the Headquarters of Patriotic Forces of Belarus, have opened an online survey that will run for three weeks.
The initiative’s main goal is to engage citizens directly in the country’s development strategy — to identify national priorities and implement socially significant projects.
“People’s Five-Year Plan”: Every Voice Counts
According to BISR Director Oleg Makarov, the project aims to collect public proposals for the future of Belarus, ensuring that every idea is heard.
“We invite citizens to share their vision of Belarus’s future — across all regions and all spheres of life,” he emphasized.
A major part of the dialogue will be a large-scale sociological study based on current public expectations and needs.
Its core component is an online survey running from October 10 to 31 on the project’s platform.
Ekaterina Rechits, Head of BISR’s Center for the Analysis of Civic Initiatives “People’s Five-Year Plan”, emphasized the importance of expert component:
“In recent years, we’ve seen a marked rise in political awareness among our citizens. People are no longer just ready to comment on proposed directions for the country’s development — they’re coming up with new ideas and initiatives themselves. This nationwide expert dialogue gives everyone the opportunity to align state plans with real social needs and to take part in putting those plans into action.”
She noted that this format represents a new kind of interaction between the state and society — one that not only studies public opinion but actively involves citizens in shaping the country’s vision for the future.
A series of expert meetings and public discussions will also be held across Belarus, bringing together civil organizations and political parties.
QR Code to the Future: Accessible and Anonymous For Everyone
Alexander Khizhnyak, Chairman of the Republican Party of Labor and Justice, highlighted the value of the Merkavanne.bel platform:
“This tool can be used to explore many issues that matter to citizens. It’s especially valuable for people living in smaller towns and rural areas. We need to listen to people’s voices to understand what problems should be solved in each community.”
Organizers have stressed that the survey is completely anonymous, and all collected data will be used for research and analysis only.
What Previous Surveys Have Shown
In the course of a press conference, the Center for the Analysis of Civic Initiatives “People’s Five-Year Plan” also presented results from earlier public surveys on education development and food security.
Ekaterina Rechits shared the results reflecting Belarusians’ vision of the future:
“Respondents consider our education system to be competitive on the global stage. Moreover, there is a clear trend toward a decline in the attractiveness of studying abroad.
In the context of food security, respondents were asked how they envision the future of Belarus as an agricultural country. This is seen as an absolute priority. Our people also view Belarus as a post-industrial, high-tech state with a well-developed industrial and service sector,” she added.
From Survey to Development Program
Findings from the nationwide expert dialogue will help refine the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2026–2030 and shape the agenda of the 7th All-Belarusian People’s Assembly.
“These materials will form the foundation for the work of top government officials, the administration, and the President,” BISR Director Oleg Makarov said, underscoring the initiative’s importance for the country’s future.
To join the nationwide expert dialogue “The Image of Belarus 2026–2030,” simply follow the QR code or the link to the website Merkavanne.bel and lend your voice!
Source: Minskaya Pravda News Agency