Family as the Foundation of National Security: VSMU Discusses Traditional Belarusian Values

On October 15, 2026, Vitebsk State Medical University held a Unified Information Day on the topic “Traditional Belarusian Values: Family, Society, State.” Olga Fedchuk, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work at the Faculty of General Medicine, addressed the audience.

She emphasized that family values are a key factor in demographic well-being, the foundation of social stability, and a primary source of national security. This is why Belarus has established a comprehensive system of state support for families.

Measures include paid parental leave until a child reaches the age of three, the Family Capital programme, housing benefits for young and large families, and support for IVF programmes.

It was particularly noted that national demographic security is the top priority of the Republic of Belarus’ Socio-Economic Development Programme for 2026–2030.

The discussion also addressed contemporary challenges, including the possibility that the digital environment and artificial intelligence may promote behavioural models alien to Belarusian society. Nevertheless, sociological data indicate that most Belarusians still regard family as their foremost life value. This confirms the resilience of traditional values and the need to strengthen them at the levels of the state, society, and the individual.