Honoring those who gave their lives for peace. MP on Great Heritage-Common Future forum goals

Vadim Ipatov recalled that the past two years have been filled with events marking significant anniversaries. In 2024, Belarus marked the 80th anniversary of its liberation from the Nazi invaders, and in 2025, the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the start of the Great Patriotic War, which claimed millions of lives.

“None of this should fade from the memory of generations. That is precisely why, in 2025, the anniversary year of the Soviet people’s victory over the Nazi invaders, the first international forum Great Heritage-Common Future was held in the hero city of Volgograd. It brought generations together. Discussions focused on preserving historical memory. In the context of hybrid warfare, strikes are being made at the most sensitive points: the history of the people, their traditions. The memory of the Great Patriotic War is a sacred duty for each of us, giving us the strength to preserve the sovereignty and independence of our states,” the deputy chairman of the House of Representatives emphasized.

A decision was made to hold the second forum. It will take place in Brest on 21-22 June, which in 1941 was the first to take the brunt of the Hitlerite attack, where the defenders of the citadel on the Bug River fought back against the enemy. Members of the organizing committee of the Union State forum discussed the details of preparations for the event.

“We are discussing a considerable number of technical details. But above all, our main goal, the strategic idea of the forum, is to once again honor those people who did not spare their lives and gave them for our peaceful today. We often speak about peace and stability being among the most important components of people’s lives. That is why we must understand at what cost peace was won and preserved,” said Vadim Ipatov, co-chair of the forum’s organizing committee. A large number of international delegations have been invited to participate.

Specifically, the locations for the forum’s events were discussed, including the plenary session and thematic sections. The Ceremonial Square, the Sorrow memorial, the Defense Museum, and the site of the military-historical reenactment will be used on the grounds of the Brest Fortress. Organizing committee members will also discuss the program for parliamentary delegations and hold a meeting with the Brest Oblast authorities.

The first forum, dedicated to preserving the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War, took place in Volgograd in April 2025. The event was attended by the presidents of Belarus and Russia, as well as MPs, scholars, and international experts from more than 20 countries.