Belarus attends first Ministerial Conference of International Organization for Russian Language

Opening the conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the Russian language is one of the most widespread languages in the world, including in the digital space, where it ranks second after English in the number of internet sites and social media accounts. Russian is an official or working language in a number of international organizations, including the UN. “It plays a great constructive role in bringing academic exchanges closer. Bolstering the global standing of the Russian language is, unequivocally, a cornerstone for preserving the planet's cultural and civilizational diversity and a key contribution to a more just, multipolar world order," he said.

The conference gathered representatives from the founding member states of the International Organization for the Russian Language. The organization was formed following the decision of the leaders of Belarus, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, who signed the relevant treaty in Bishkek on 13 October 2023.

According to Sergey Lavrov, the organization is open to all interested nations - both within Eurasia and beyond. “It is essential that the International Organization for the Russian Language integrate time-tested multilateral cooperation tools with contemporary approaches capable of engaging the younger generations of our countries,” he stressed.

The decision on the admission of new members will be made by the organization’s ministerial conference, which will be convened on a regular basis at least once a year. Extraordinary sessions may also be held at the initiative of any party to the treaty, supported by at least two-thirds of the other countries. The Governing Board will meet at least twice a year. In addition, extraordinary meetings may also be held at the initiative of any of its members, supported by at least one-third of the other members.

The inaugural conference adopted a package of administrative and financial documents to establish the organization’s secretariat and launch its operations. The conference participants expect that the organization and its secretariat will begin practical activities as of 1 April 2026. The secretariat will be headquartered in be the city of Sochi (Sirius Federal Territory).

Additionally, the conference elected Natalya Bocharova, former Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Secretary General of the International Organization for the Russian Language.