The solemn opening ceremony of the republican festival "Polotsk - Youth Capital of the Republic of Belarus 2017" was held in Polotsk.

A solemn ceremony of handing over the symbolic key took place in Polotsk, and over 100 youth projects are planned. "One of the criteria for choosing the youth capital of Belarus is plans for the development of youth infrastructure. Polotsk has many such projects. And this, among other things, influenced the jury's choice. It is also important that every fourth resident of the city is a young person who works both in enterprises and organizations, as well as students," said the Deputy Minister. - Moreover, Polotsk is the cradle of our statehood, a city with glorious traditions, which will host the Day of Belarusian Written Language this year, and celebrations of the printing anniversary will be held here. All this together will create an unforgettable atmosphere and make the city more beautiful. And most importantly, young people will take an active part in all events."

For two days (February 2-3), the festival "Polotsk - Youth Capital of the Republic of Belarus" events are being held in Polotsk. The program includes the youth forum "Together We Are Belarus!", flash mobs, interactive platforms, master classes, awarding of certificates and souvenir badges for significant contribution to the implementation of state youth policy, etc. On February 3, the cultural project "Francysk Skaryna. A Perfect Man" will be launched in Polotsk.

Representatives of the Ministry of Education, leaders of youth organizations, student self-government bodies, young specialists, winners of republican and international sports competitions, young scientists are taking part in the festive events,

laureates of international competitions among students of higher education institutions, youth of Polotsk, as well as guests from Azerbaijan. The organizers of the event are the Ministry of Education and the Polotsk District Executive Committee. Polotsk was awarded the status of the youth capital of Belarus in January of this year. A total of 11 cities in the country participated in the competition, with four in the final. Cities were evaluated according to a number of criteria, including territory improvement, leisure opportunities, quality education, and recreation.

This status is awarded to a city for one year. During this time, the city gets the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to modern youth culture, best practices in the development of social, economic, and political activity of youth. The youth capital implements new ideas, innovative projects with the participation of youth and becomes a role model for the further development of other cities.

Alena Tikhonova. Photos by Alexander Khitrov. BELTA.