Call for study programme for Belarusian students

14.12.21 | News
Uddannelse
Photographer
Johannes Jansson
The Nordic Council Presidium is calling on the Nordic governments to develop a study programme to allow young Belarusians to study in the Nordic Region.

The Presidium of the Nordic Council has just held an online meeting. It recommended that the Nordic governments develop a study programme for Belarusian students to run from 2023 until 2026 and that it be coordinated by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The International Strategy of the Nordic Council 2018–2022 recognises the deep respect for democracy, the rule of law, gender equality and human rights throughout the Nordic Region and across political dividing lines. It also calls on the Nordic Region to make a difference in the world by always having a clear voice that articulates and stands up for these values.


“Offering young Belarusians the chance to study in the Nordic Region will allow them to take part in teaching based on democratic values and will show the rest of the population that we have not forgotten them,” says Bertel Haarder, President of the Nordic Council.    

Concern about developments in Belarus

The Nordic Council has repeatedly expressed concern about events and violations of human rights and democratic rules in Belarus. For example, the Presidium raised these issues at its meeting with the Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya last year. 

Support from the Committee for Knowledge and Culture in the Nordic Region

The original proposal by the Finnish delegation was discussed and adopted by the Committee for Knowledge and Culture in the Nordic Region in September. The party political groups on the Nordic Council also support the core of the proposal.    

 

Offering young Belarusians the chance to study in the Nordic Region will allow them to take part in teaching based on democratic values and show the rest of the population that we have not forgotten them

Bertel Haarder, President of the Nordic Council