18.09.2025
Topic: “NATIONAL UNITY DAY: THE MEANING OF PEACE AND HARMONY”
National Unity Day is one of the most important holidays of the Republic of Belarus, the importance of which is only increasing every year. As President Alexander Lukashenko noted, “if there had not been this reunification, we would not have had Victory Day or Independence Day. We wouldn’t be here. Because there would not be the land on which our ancestors were born and which they cultivated with their labor.”
The reunification of Western Belarus and the BSSR, which took place as a result of the march of the Red Army on September 17, 1939, became an important milestone in the history of the country. The Belarusian people have the opportunity to live and develop within the borders of one republic, creating the necessary socio-economic, socio-political and cultural potential. A new countdown has begun for Belarusians, and the foundation for the successful development of the sovereign and independent Republic of Belarus has been formed.
For reference:
As a result of the reunification of Western Belarus with the BSSR, fundamental socio-economic transformations were carried out, affecting all spheres of society.
The general level of education began to rise in Western Belarus, and Belarusian schools were opening. If by 1939 there were no Belarusian schools left, then in the 1940/41 academic year there were more than 4,500 such schools.
Theaters, higher and secondary educational institutions were opened. Thus, in the western regions of the BSSR, 5 higher educational institutions appeared (including teachers’ institutes in Grodno, Baranovichi and Pinsk) and 25 specialized secondary schools. There were 5 theaters (including the Polessky Regional Drama Theater in Pinsk, the Brest Regional Russian Drama Theater, etc.), 220 libraries.
Industry developed thanks to government support. The construction of new factories and plants has begun. At the end of 1940, 392 industrial enterprises were operating in the western regions, employing about 40,000 workers. The volume of gross industrial output has increased by almost 2 times compared to 1938.
This date is a symbol of the restoration of historical justice for the Belarusian people, who were divided against their will in 1921 under the terms of the Riga Peace Treaty, and it is firmly entrenched in the national historical tradition.
Initially, the People’s Assembly of Western Belarus declared September 17 the Day of Liberation of the Workers of Western Belarus from the oppression of the bourgeoisie and landlords. It was in this capacity that this day was solemnly and widely celebrated in 1940 in the BSSR.
After the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, September 17th
The last time it was celebrated at the all-Union level was in 1949.
The modern Day of National Unity is dictated by life itself. With its deep historical significance, this holiday is filled with important meanings of today and the prospects of the future.
For the first time in sovereign Belarus, the idea of establishing a National Unity Day at the highest level was voiced at the sixth All-Belarusian National Assembly, which was held under the slogan “Unity. Development. Independence.” The idea of social cohesion, unity, and the desire for peace and harmony are close to all people who sincerely love Belarus.
It is logical that by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 206 dated June 7, 2021, the date of September 17 acquired the status of a state holiday – National Unity Day.
Living in peace and harmony is a characteristic feature of our people and the value of the Belarusian state. This is the fundamental basis of state policy, ensuring stability in society and the preservation of national identity.
Let’s pay attention to several key aspects.
First, peace for Belarusians is a value endured by many generations of our fathers, grandfathers and great–grandfathers who made an invaluable contribution to the formation of the Belarusian statehood.
Secondly, Belarusians have always been united in the face of difficulties and challenges.
Third, ensuring security and order in the country and internal political harmony in society are important conditions for everyone’s life.
Fourth, Belarus is an open country with a well–established reputation as a peace-loving State that advocates the resolution of international conflicts through diplomatic means (negotiations and peaceful settlements).
No one needs to be convinced of the importance of consolidating Belarusian society in order to preserve statehood today. The numerous trials that have befallen the Belarusian people give reason to treat such a concept as national unity in a special way. The National Unity Day national holiday has a special meaning: as long as we are united, we are invincible. It is important to preserve peace and the country for future generations.
And I would like to conclude with the wise words of the Head of State during the action “Marathon of Unity” in the Minsk Arena on January 24, 2025.:
“Our only home is on this piece of land given to us by God. And this house is not for sale at any price. We will continue to build the urban neighborhoods and villages of the future, roads and factories, metro stations and schools.
We will modernize agriculture, develop science, education, and medicine. To do everything to make the country even more beautiful and comfortable for us, our children and grandchildren.
.. And, most importantly, we will definitely preserve the peaceful sky above our homes for posterity.”
Happy National Unity Day, dear Belarusians!
MATERIALS FOR THE UNIFIED INFORMATION DAY ON THE TOPIC: “NATIONAL UNITY DAY: THE MEANING OF PEACE AND HARMONY”:
– Material addressed to the intelligentsia
– Material addressed to employees of enterprises in the real sector of the economy
– Material addressed to young people
