International Congress on Belarus: knowledge transfer and debates in Berlin!

International Congress on Belarus: knowledge transfer and debates in Berlin!

From September 25th to 27th, 2025, the Humboldt University of Berlin will host the 12th International Congress for Belarus Studies (ICBS). This important academic event, which has been held in various European cities since 2011, attracts around 350 experts from the social sciences and humanities. The aim of the congress is to create a platform on which scientists and public figures from Belarus and beyond can discuss central topics such as Belarusian history, politics, society and culture.

The event is seen as a unique opportunity to promote innovative research and civil society initiatives. The congress brings together leading intellectual centers that deal with social and political developments in Belarus without being influenced by state influences.

Diverse topics and sections

A total of 13 sections are offered, covering a variety of subject areas, including history, international relations, political science, sociology, linguistics and literary studies. The congress languages ​​are diverse: Belarusian, English, German, Polish, Ukrainian, Lithuanian and Russian. Simultaneous interpretation is offered exclusively for the opening event and the plenary session on the first day.

One of the highlights of the first day of the congress is the opening event on September 25th at 10 a.m., introduced by Prof. Dr. Susanne Frank. Important discussion sessions will then take place, including "Belarus on the European map. How does the EU see it now, and what can we expect in the near future?" and “Belarusian Academic Community 2025: Status, Challenges and Opportunities.”

• Diskussionsthema 1: „Belarus on the European map“ (10:30 – 11:50 Uhr)
• Diskussionsthema 2: „Belarusian Academic Community 2025“ (12:10 – 13:30 Uhr)

The event will take place in lecture hall 10, Invalidenstraße 42, 10115 Berlin. The congress is organized by Palitychnaja Sfera (Minsk, Belarus) and Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės institutas (Kaunas, Lithuania). The Humboldt University of Berlin acts as an academic partner and is supported by other institutions such as Vytautas Magnus University and Vilnius University.

A shared experience for science

The congress not only promotes the exchange of ideas, but also plays a crucial role in building an international community of scientists and experts with a focus on Belarus. The event aims to create a deeper understanding of Belarus at national, regional and global levels and also addresses specific topics such as non-formal adult education and its influence on democratic changes in Belarus.

The panel on non-formal adult education, which is planned as a hybrid event, focuses on trends and potential for change in the educational landscape. It represents another opportunity to address relevant issues within Belarusian society.

The congress is supported by various organizations, including the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the German Marshall Fund, as well as other institutions from Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and other countries. All participants can only submit one abstract; multiple presentations per person are not permitted - a measure to promote qualitative discussions.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Susanne Frank is available via email: susanne.frank@hu-berlin.de.

For more details about the congress, those interested can view the coverage on the website Humboldt University of Berlin as well as the events calendar The Bonn track.