News & Events in Belarus
Lukashenko holds major meeting with scientists
MINSK, 21 November (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko convened a meeting to discuss the development of the science and the activities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) on 21 November, BelTA has learned.
The event had been announced long ago. The president spoke of the need for such a meeting with the scientific community during a session with the working group to analyze the NASB activities on 5 August. “I am confident that we need to discuss with the scientific community the challenges of science development (and the future of our science). We will do this in the near future, definitely this year,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
Among the participants of the meeting were senior officials, chairmen of regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee, representatives of government bodies, members of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences, heads and staff of NASB organizations, higher education institutions, and sectoral organizations. In total, more than 250 participants attended.
The head of state said that the day before the conference he had received several analytical memos and every one of them mentions the need to elevate the status of scientists. This is why Aleksandr Lukashenko identified his principled stance on this matter.
“I’d like to ask you about the status of scientists. Do you want me to elevate your status? You should think it over like I do. I’ve been thinking for a week about how to raise your status. Nobody can raise the status except for the scientists themselves. You should do it,” the head of state noted.
Aleksandr Lukashenko asked a simple question: where is the scientist, whose name is well-known at least in Belarus let alone the entire world or even the post-Soviet space?
“How to elevate the status of scientists is a question not only I should answer but you as well. Remember: if you don’t elevate it, you will have no status. The status is not about wages and money. It is about your level as a scientist. This is why you should look for the status of scientists in yourselves,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
The head of state presented concrete practical examples where the use of scientific knowledge could have a positive effect on the economy. The development of field balers and milking machines was mentioned since they are in demand in agriculture.
“I am identifying the track we should use in order for me and you to discuss the problem today instead of coming here and moaning that we haven’t done something or that we haven’t accomplished something. Let’s accomplish,” Aleksandr Lukashenko encouraged.
“There can be no country without science. And today, science is of the utmost importance. Are you ready for this? If so, let’s get down to work, without ambition or pretense!” the head of state said. “Our society has reached a point where, without science, there will be no further development. We will fall behind, we will decline, and we will be trampled by those who follow us.”
The head of state emphasized that now, not only strategy but also tactics are vital. “It is a time for concrete action. Because time has chosen us. And no one will do it for us. We cannot pass this ‘legacy’ to our children,” the Belarusian leader stressed.
During the conference, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik presented a number of proposals to improve research activities.
Aleksandr Lukashenko instructed the prime minister to review the relevant matters in the government, involving other responsible officials if necessary. “Decisions must be made on all issues. Every single one! I need a report by 1 January so that I can formalize it. Of course, your proposals [of the head of NASB] will be the foundation,” he instructed.
The president stressed that the key priorities he had outlined at the beginning of the meeting regarding the status of scientists, the effectiveness of their work, and the overall role of science in the country’s future development must be fully incorporated into the final version of the proposals.
“There will be no delay on my part. I promise that all documents submitted by you and the government will be signed by the president within 24 hours. We need to start working from 1 January,” the head of state assured.
Addressing the head of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Karanik, Aleksandr Lukashenko once again reminded him of the task to focus on personnel and to determine who to work with. “If you need to involve the president, please do, or the government – go ahead,” he said.
“All issues must be resolved by 1 January!” the Belarusian leader emphasized once again. “So that our scientists cannot say that we failed to finalize something.”
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