Goals:

  1. To assess regional and global economic enablers with the potential to further economic development in Belarus.
  2. To assess the impact of globalization on the international economy and its effects on Belarus and the region.
  3. To explore how bilateral and multilateral cooperation can advance regional economic security.

 

Agenda

1 June

18.30-19.30

Reception

Renaissance Hotel (1E Dzerzhinsky Av.)

Welcoming remarks

H.E. Mr. Peter Dettmar

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Belarus

Dr. Andrew Michta

Dean of the College of International and Security Studies, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

19.30-21.00

Night Owl Session. Economic Security—Drivers and Challenges

Economic security is recognized as a core dimension of national and international security. This session will discuss new opportunities and challenges relative to the global economy and the various subset issues that impact the economic security of countries and regions. The purpose of this panel is to look at the volatility of international trade and finance and its impact on economic security. Important economic elements of national power such as industry, energy, technology, and human capital will also be discussed.

Ambassador Douglas Griffiths

Associate Director for International Liaison, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Dr. Kateryna Bornukova

Academic Director, Belarusian Economic Research and Outreach Center (BEROC)

Mr. Daniel Krutzinna

Managing Partner, Civitta; Supervisory Board Member, Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus

Moderator

Dr. Andrew Michta

Dean of the College of International and Security Studies, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

 

2 June

8.30-9.00

Registration

Renaissance Hotel (1E Dzerzhinsky Av.)

9.00-9.30

Opening ceremony (Open to the media)

H.E. Mr. Vladimir Makei

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus

Mr. Robert Riley

Chargé d’affaires, US Embassy in the Republic of Belarus

Dr. Andrew Michta

Dean of the College of International and Security Studies, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Dr. Wolfgang Sender

Country Director Belarus, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Germany

Mr. Yauheni Preiherman

Head, Minsk Dialogue Track-II Initiative

9.30-11.00

Session 1 (Open to the media). The Economics of a Globalized World

The session will examine current economic trends in the global environment and the impact these trends are having on developed and developing economies. Building on the premise that globalization is drastically creating new winners and losers in the world economy, this discussion will focus on how a better understanding of the global economic trends can improve strategic decision making towards economic development. Commentary will highlight the importance of attracting viable trade partners and desirable foreign direct investment ventures that will support a sustainable economic development plan.

Dr. Andrew Michta

Dean of the College of International and Security Studies, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Dr. Alexander Zaborovski

Senior Adviser to the Governor, National Bank of the Republic of Belarus

Dr. Ralf Roloff

Senior German Faculty, Director of European Security Seminar, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Ms. Natalia Nikandrava

Chairwoman of Board, Development Fund “New Economic Strategy”

Moderator

Dr. Valbona Zeneli

Director of the Black Sea and Eurasia Program, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

11.00-11.30

Coffee break

11.30-11.40

Presentation of the results of the Risks Perception Survey

Anton Boltochko

Economic Analyst, Discussion and Analytical Society “Liberal Club”; Minsk Dialogue Track-II Initiative

11.40-13.10

Session 2. The Impact of Non-Economic Factors on Global Competitiveness and Economic Stability

This session will discuss how geopolitical security environments affect economic stability and transnational security. Discussions will focus on the importance of constantly assessing the efficiency of good governance and rule of law practices that underpin and promote economic development. It will also address cooperation opportunities that exist in Europe and can counter non-economic challenges to economic security.

Dr. Valery Varanetsky

Chairman, Standing Committee on International Affairs, House of Representatives of the National Assembly, Belarus

Mr. Sanaka Samarasinha

UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Belarus

Ambassador Douglas Griffiths

Associate Director for International Liaison, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Professor Joseph Vann

Director of the Counter Transnational Organized Crime Program, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Moderator

Mr. Yauheni Preiherman

Head, Minsk Dialogue Track-II Initiative

13.10-14.00

Lunch

14.00-15.30

Session 3. Regional Economic Integration in a Globalized World

The session will explore the role of trade agreements and integration blocks in the global economy, and their importance for regional affairs. It will look specifically at the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road Initiative and assess prospects for mutually beneficial economic synergies in Europe and beyond. Commentary will also highlight the future of economic integration in the digital era.

Mr. Aleksei Matsevilo

Head of the General Department of Economic Integration, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus

Dr. Pal Dunay

Professor of European Security Issues, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Dr. Valbona Zeneli

Director of the Black Sea and Eurasia Program, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Dr. Alena Semak

Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Belarusian State University

Moderator

Professor Joseph Vann

Director of the Counter Transnational Organized Crime Program, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

15.30-16.00

Coffee break

16.00-17.30

Session 4. Security Cooperation: Bilateral and Multilateral Opportunities

This session will explore pragmatic approaches to bilateral and multilateral relationships, and the role of international organizations and opportunities for new formats of cooperation. It will discuss economic and non-economic issues on bilateral and multilateral security agenda in Eastern Europe.

Dr. Oleg Kravchenko

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus

Mr. Andrei Popov

President, Institute for Strategic Initiatives, Moldova

Dr. Pal Dunay

Professor of European Security Issues, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

Mr. Aliaksandr Alesin

Independent Analyst, Belarus

Moderator

Mr. Dzianis Melyantsou

Programme Coordinator, Minsk Dialogue Track-II Initiative

17.30-18.00

 

Concluding remarks