At the forum, representatives of the government, ministries and departments, and the Orthodox Church discussed issues of strengthening the status of the family and marriage, preparing young people for family life, protecting family health, the reproductive health of women and men, developing conditions for economic independence and increasing family well-being and, as a result, increasing the birth rate, which remains one of the most important components of the effective socio-economic development of any state.

Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir KARANIK spoke about demographic trends that are characteristic not only of Belarus and Russia, but also of all developed countries of the world.

— As long as children’s laughter sounds in the state, it has a future. At the forum, we are discussing how to change certain negative trends that are characteristic not only of Belarus and Russia, but also of many developed countries, in terms of decreasing birth rates and ensuring population growth. Today, we see in many developed countries that equal access for women to education, professional activity, high positions, and career growth leads to the fact that they postpone marriage and having children until later, striving to realize themselves in the professional sphere and achieve financial independence. And that safe level — at least 2.2 children per woman, which allows ensuring demographic growth — is not met in almost any developed country. 

In South Korea, this figure is generally less than 1. And in many countries, this indicator fluctuates from 1.1 to 1.7, the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

He emphasized that such trends are explained both by economic development and the devaluation of traditional family values, which is also observed in many countries.

— Only a strong, healthy family can ensure the harmonious development of children and raise worthy members of society. It is the family that is an important element in preserving historical memory and national identity. Our task is to continue to strive to strengthen the institution of the family, — Vladimir Karanik drew attention.

He recalled that a lot is being done in Belarus to support both young families and families with children, with special attention being paid to those with many children.

— However, we see that these measures (at the stage of their implementation, an increase in the birth rate was noted) today, although they retain a positive impact, do not bring a further increase in the birth rate. Therefore, we are discussing how to strengthen the institution of the family in the informational, legislative, and economic fields, preserve traditional family values, and encourage our youth to have and raise children. Traditional families are the foundation on which future generations will ensure the development of our country
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Vladimir Karanik added that the global security problems currently being observed in the world are also related to the devaluation of family values.

— A person who raises children and grandchildren has a slightly different outlook on life: he is more responsible and will never do something that could endanger the lives of future generations, his children and grandchildren. I will quote Mother Teresa. When she was asked what could be done to strengthen peace in the world, this wise woman answered simply: «Go home and love your family.» The more happy children and loving families we have, the better our troubled world will become and the safer our lives and the lives of future generations will be, — the Deputy Prime Minister summed up.

Metropolitan Veniamin of Minsk and Zaslavl, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus noted that Belarusian clergy are interested in the revival of a spiritual approach to views on the family in society. At the same time, modern trends characteristic of many countries have not bypassed Belarus.

— A negative contribution is made by value attitudes and stereotypes of consciousness that promote refusal to marry and have children. This forms selfishness and unbridled consumption. Deliberate refusal to have children out of selfish aspirations devalues marriage. Unfortunately, the situation with divorces also remains sad. Often, people who enter into a marriage union are unable to create, show patience, make concessions to each other and think not only about their own needs, but also about the happiness of the person they entrusted when creating a family. The destruction of the family has adverse consequences for the spouses, children and the entire society. We see a certain limit that cannot be approached, and it is necessary to unite the efforts of various ministries, departments and legislative bodies to develop the right approach that will find a response among young people and bring the desired result, — said Metropolitan Veniamin.

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma of Russia Anna KUZNETSOVA noted that Belarus and Russia are jointly developing new solutions to strengthen the status of the family.

— One of the most important tasks is to help protect sovereignty in the value sphere. After all, supporting families and improving family policy are the basis of sustainable development, without which progress in any other area is impossible. It is time to consider the creation of structures, commissions, and working groups at the level of the Union State that would be engaged in developing paradigms and decisions in the field of demography, — noted Anna Kuznetsova, adding that today in the Russian State Duma, bills aimed at supporting families are a priority. She proposed creating a model law that would help our states take steps to strengthen the status of the family.

Elena Kravets
Photo by Konstantin Drobov