Key Goals for the Visit:
- Provide accurate, firsthand information about EHU to key stakeholders in the US.
- Affirm the University’s leadership reliability and commitment to transparent and effective management.
- Highlight EHU’s growth trajectory and its increasing relevance to Belarus and the wider region.
- Expand the network of academic partners in the US.
Auxiliary Goals Included:
- Strengthening community ties with EHU alumni based in the US.
- Advancing the Belarusian identity of the University through relations with Belarusian Americans and relevant US-based entities.
- Fortifying institutional partnerships within the US think-tank and expert community.
Productive Outcomes of the Visit:
- Sloan Foundation’s commitment to a Presidential discretion grant for EHU’s Digital Humanities Lab, conditional on a formal approval of the grant application
- Invitation of the Scholars at Risk to EHU to host 2024 SAR Congress in Vilnius
- YIVO’s support for EHU’s master’s program in Jewish Studies.
- National Endowment for Democracy’s encouragement to submit project applications for funding.
- Commitments from renowned institutions like Harriman Institute, Kennan Institute, and more to explore collaborative projects with EHU.
Lessons Learned:
- EHU’s pivotal role in fostering Belarusian civil society remains a compelling message for US interest groups.
- The University’s unique position as a sanctuary for at-risk academics provides a significant avenue for funding and regional relevance.
In summary, the October 2023 visit not only reaffirmed EHU’s vital role in fostering a vibrant civil society in Belarus but also set a powerful precedent for future growth and collaboration. The commitments garnered and lessons learned provide a strong foundation for EHU’s continued impact on the academic and social landscape.