The National Archives of the Republic of Belarus presented the exhibition «Soviet and Western Belarus: Divided Yet United», dedicated to National Unity Day

Belarusian archivists, together with activists from the Belarusian Trade Union of State and Other Institution Workers, participated in the exhibition project «Symbols of Unity: An Idea in Signs and Images», held on September 17, 2026, at the «Pershy Natsyyanalny Handlovy Dom» (First National Trade House) shopping center. The event brought together several exhibitions dedicated to National Unity Day, including the documentary exhibition «Soviet and Western Belarus: Divided Yet United», presented by the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus (NARB); the «Batkaushchyna» (Fatherland) book project; a thematic exposition by the 52nd Separate Specialized Search Battalion; a photo exhibition covering the historical period of 1939, prepared by Vladimir Likhodedov (laureate of the «For Spiritual Revival» award); and others.

Guests of honor at the ceremony included Igor Buzovsky, Chairman of the Belarusian Trade Union of State and Other Institution Workers; Dmitry Kiyko, Minister of Taxes and Duties of the Republic of Belarus; Nikolai Buzin, Chairman of the Standing Commission on Human Rights, National Relations, and Mass Media of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus (Doctor of Military Sciences, Professor); Oleg Voinov, Director of the Department for Archives and Records Management of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus; Colonel Sergei Kornev, Head of the Directorate for Perpetuating the Memory of Defenders of the Fatherland and War Victims of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus; as well as members of parliament, staff from the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus and the Minsk Watch Plant, and trade union activists.

Before the official proceedings began, guests were shown a film recounting the events leading up to September 17, 1939. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by musical performances that gave a special resonance to themes of love for the homeland, remembrance of the past, and pride in the country.

«This is a time for all sectors, organizations, the trade union, and employees of state and other institutions to unite once again and reflect on why we stand together», said Igor Buzovsky, Chairman of the Belarusian Trade Union of State and Other Institution Workers, emphasizing the special significance of National Unity Day. «The holiday’s relevance is also linked to shifting global values, characterized by the rise of individualistic and cosmopolitan approaches. It is crucial to pass on the right values to future generations—ensuring that the personal ‘I’ is not seen as opposed to the collective ‘we,’ and that labor remains a fundamental dimension of life».

Dmitry Kiyko, Minister of Taxes and Duties of the Republic of Belarus, noted that the secret to the Belarusian people’s unity lies in shared goals and objectives. Belarusians feel secure and confident in their country. The unity of the Belarusian people was restored on September 17, 1939.

«We must remember how it all happened and why events unfolded the way they did», said Dmitry Kiyko. «Our task is to share this story—primarily with young people—so they know about this holiday, understand its meaning, and appreciate its true significance».

Exhibitions organized by the trade union also demonstrated to Minsk residents and visitors that September 17, 1939, marked the restoration of historical justice and Belarus’s territorial integrity. On that day, the Belarusian people—previously divided by a new border under the Treaty of Riga—were reunited within the borders of a single Belarusian SSR. Thus, September 17 is not merely a date in history; it is a day when we recognize the value of unity, cherish the memory of the past, and pass it on to future generations.

1. Participants in the official part of the event

2. Members of the NARB Primary Trade Union Organization viewing the documentary exhibition

3. Guests of honor viewing the documentary exhibition

4. Guests of honor viewing the thematic exposition

5. Guests of honor viewing the photo exhibition

6. Members of the NARB Primary Trade Union Organization who participated in the exhibition project