Posted:
22.09.2025 10:54:28
Dmitry Zhuk explained why National Unity Day taken root in Belarusian society
In his talk with Belarus 1 TV channel, Dmitry Zhuk, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs and National Security of the Council of the Republic, Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Belarus Segodnya Publishing House, highlighted the fact that establishing National Unity Day in Belarus was a historically justified decision and Belarusians are well aware of what this holiday is and what it is dedicated to
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As for the significance of Nation Unity Day established in Belarus relatively recently, Dmitry Zhuk stated, “This holiday has naturally taken root and our people accepted it. There are two crucial and compelling reasons for this: firstly, the holiday is historically justified — everyone is well aware of what this day is about; secondly, the decision to establish it was made at the right time. This is a crucial aspect — if this decision had been made 15 years ago, I’m not quite sure people would have embraced it so well. Many of them would not have understood why and for what purpose. In other words, we are talking about historical relevance.”
The parliamentarian emphasised that National Unity Day has taken its place among Belarus' most significant dates, alongside Victory Day and Independence Day.
According to Belarus 1 TV channel, marking National Unity Day, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko held a large-scale meeting with ideological advocates, historical and expert communities on September 17th. Speaking about what the work of ideologists should be like today, Dmitry Zhuk noted, “The inner conviction of an ideological worker is essential. If there is no inner conviction, people will see and feel it. They would sit there not to be rude, but they will note take in what is being said. Of course, the culture of information consumption has changed. And if we try to talk to the younger generation using old methods, it is unlikely to be successful. The information should be delivered in a form that is familiar to them — it’s okay, there is nothing wrong with it. Of course, the narratives we must form and convey are important. History is full of both bad and excellent examples. Ideologists need to form and crystallise these narratives we will work with. And then — whether it's a wise professor at university or a young journalism graduate on TikTok — it's important that these narratives are understood.”
As for the significance of Nation Unity Day established in Belarus relatively recently, Dmitry Zhuk stated, “This holiday has naturally taken root and our people accepted it. There are two crucial and compelling reasons for this: firstly, the holiday is historically justified — everyone is well aware of what this day is about; secondly, the decision to establish it was made at the right time. This is a crucial aspect — if this decision had been made 15 years ago, I’m not quite sure people would have embraced it so well. Many of them would not have understood why and for what purpose. In other words, we are talking about historical relevance.”
The parliamentarian emphasised that National Unity Day has taken its place among Belarus' most significant dates, alongside Victory Day and Independence Day.
According to Belarus 1 TV channel, marking National Unity Day, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko held a large-scale meeting with ideological advocates, historical and expert communities on September 17th. Speaking about what the work of ideologists should be like today, Dmitry Zhuk noted, “The inner conviction of an ideological worker is essential. If there is no inner conviction, people will see and feel it. They would sit there not to be rude, but they will note take in what is being said. Of course, the culture of information consumption has changed. And if we try to talk to the younger generation using old methods, it is unlikely to be successful. The information should be delivered in a form that is familiar to them — it’s okay, there is nothing wrong with it. Of course, the narratives we must form and convey are important. History is full of both bad and excellent examples. Ideologists need to form and crystallise these narratives we will work with. And then — whether it's a wise professor at university or a young journalism graduate on TikTok — it's important that these narratives are understood.”
