Interview with Dmitry Zakharczuk, member of the Standing Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus on regional policy and local self-government, chairman of the Volkovysk District Executive Committee.

STRATEGIC FOCUS: FROM GLOBAL GOALS TO REGIONAL RESULTS

– Dmitry Ivanovich, in December 2025 the VII All-Belarusian People's Congress approved the Socio-Economic Development Program for 2026–2030 with seven key priorities. Which of them is the most difficult to implement on the ground and why?

– Among the program's priorities there are none that are simple, nor are there any that are more or less important – neither for the country nor for the regions. Only their comprehensive implementation will allow us to solve the main task: raising the quality of people's lives and the competitiveness of the economy. Another matter is that regions noticeably differ in economic potential, resources, and other parameters, therefore the level of difficulty for them varies as well. For some it is harder to solve demographic problems, for others – issues of digital transformation requiring large investments. There is no unambiguous answer – everything depends on the

• Volkovysk district is rich in historical and architectural heritage. The unique and only archaeological monument in Eastern Europe are the flint mines and workshops for its processing dating from the 3rd–1st millennium BC. We are working on museifying this object. The natural geological monument “Krasnoselskiye Maldivy” has gained wide fame: there is an observation deck, public discussion has begun, and negotiations are underway with a potential investor. To double tourism revenues, other attractions are also needed. The district has developed 26 tourist routes, including one inclusive route. The most popular route is “Colors of the Native Land” – from the ancient settlement of Swedish Hill to St. Michael’s Church, which recently celebrated its 500th anniversary. We are actively developing medical and agro-ecotourism, expanding the range of branded events: the “PRОzharka po-Volkovyski” festival, the “SOUND LIVE” music festival, stages of the republican motocross and enduro championships attracting more and more visitors from Belarus and Russia. Other areas are being developed, which will ultimately yield the desired result.
• The program pays great attention to demographic security and family support. How is the balance between supporting large families and creating jobs being maintained so that people do not move to the regional center?
• Family is the foundation of society, and its support is a national priority. The state has created all conditions for strengthening the family institution: a branched system of benefits, programs to improve housing conditions, preferential lending, quality medical care and education. However, additional work at the local level is also needed to stem the outflow of people. This can be achieved by providing housing, decent wages, and

Close attention is being paid to sports infrastructure – this works toward two priorities at once: demographic security and the development of human potential. The reconstruction of the DYuSSh stadium has been completed. As part of the 'Sport for All' project, seven multifunctional sports grounds and three skate parks have been installed. In April 2026, the reconstruction of the gymnasium in the urban-type settlement of Krasnoselsky was completed, and in May – construction of an indoor mini-football field.

As for rental housing: over the past two years, 5,379 square meters have been built, and 91 families have received keys – primarily young specialists. Creating new jobs requires investment. Twelve investment projects are being implemented in the district. Under the 'One District – One Project' program, following the President's visit to OAO Bellakt, construction has started on a dry baby food production workshop to GMP standards. A new assortment and doubled output are just the basic effects, plus a decent salary and social package. Completion is scheduled for 2028. New jobs will also appear as a result of investment projects at other enterprises. There are no employment problems in the district. I am confident that state support for families will strengthen