“RADA” annual report 2025

We are pleased to share the report of the Belarusian National Youth Council “RADA” for 2025. In it, we summarize the year that became a time of serious trials and rethinking for the Belarusian youth sector. We share which international events our representatives traveled to and how successful their advocacy for youth rights was. How many educational opportunities for young activists “RADA” has created, and which info-campaign idea of ours made it to the list of winners at Communication Labs!

Here are a few key highlights:

• In 2025, we conducted a sociological study “Ha-ha, we’re still here”. It looks into the interests, problems and opportunities of young people in Belarus, their level of awareness of civil society organisations, as well as migration sentiments.
• We conducted a comprehensive study on how youth organisations of the Eastern Partnership countries (including Belarusian organisations) participate in programs funded by the EU. At the end of the year RADA, in collaboration with the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, began preparing an assessment of the needs of the Belarusian youth.  
• In 2025, we focused on creating in-depth educational programs that require a lot of involvement and time. 92 young activists took part in them. They received trainer skills, community building skills, as well as nonviolent communication and constructive conflict resolution skills.

Katerina Bunina, General Secretary of BNYC “RADA”

This year has brought us new challenges: sources of assistance have been depleted, initiatives have experienced fatigue and burnout, and uncertainty has been a constant presence. However, inner power has emerged under this pressure. Youth organizations sought new formats. They tried to move beyond familiar patterns by building their work on trust, horizontal connections, and genuine solidarity. Five years since the events of 2020 is not a simple calendar mark, but a milestone which requires us to look back, challenge ourselves and take a fresh look at our role in the current situation.

Read the full report here →