The main task is to develop a document that will be as realistic, concrete, and understandable to every Belarusian as possible. The final refinement of the draft is currently underway. But time is running out.
"The All-Belarusian People's Assembly is the supreme representative body of people's power in the Republic of Belarus, defining the strategic directions for the development of society and the state, ensuring the immutability of the constitutional system, the continuity of generations, and civil accord," emphasized the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Alexander Subbotin at the meeting. "These are not empty words. With all this, I want to emphasize that the delegates of the All-Belarusian People's Assembly have a difficult task – to defend the development vector of our state. As you know, the Assembly is to approve the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Country for the next five-year period. This issue must be approached with maximum responsibility: the future of our country depends on the choice of priority directions and the competent allocation of resources."
The Vitebsk region has much to do, and the tasks set by the President are quite serious. Some of them are reflected in the Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Belarus for 2026–2030.

In general, the program is based on seven priorities with a description of tasks, mechanisms, and indicators for their achievement:

✓ National demographic security – population preservation, strengthening national health, and family support.
✓ Human potential development, quality education, fostering a harmonious and patriotic personality.
✓ Creation of a high-quality and comfortable living environment.
✓ Growth in competitiveness, acceleration of technological development, and digital transformation.
✓ Strong regions.
✓ Strengthening the state's defense capabilities and developing the defense sector of the economy.
✓ Realization of tourism potential.

All these priorities will be implemented through approximately 20 state programs. This will help mobilize the necessary resources and coordinate the efforts of various government bodies to address the set tasks.

Deputy Minister of Economy Elena Boligatova provided delegates with a detailed overview of the new five-year concept.
a "The new five-year plan should be understandable to everyone, mirroring societal demands," noted Elena Boligatova. "It is written in a modern, life-oriented, clear, and concise manner, outlining the directions the country will focus on to achieve the main goal – to form a self-sufficient and competitive state with a focus on the individual."
This leads to the program's objective – transitioning to a new quality of life for every Belarusian. Belarus should become a country with a developed digital industry and technological structure, possessing its own breakthrough technologies.

During the previous five-year period, our country was under constant external pressure. Sanctions, COVID restrictions, geopolitical provocations... But we coped and learned our lesson. We are absolutely ready for anything and will confidently move forward.

!The discussion of the draft is ongoing. Following the cycle of regional meetings, the document will be updated and submitted for approval to the All-Belarusian People's Congress.

Svetlana VOROSHKO.

"Zarya"