Klaipėdos universitetas

This article based on declassified materials of the Belorussian SSR Ministry of Foreign Affairs analyses the problems of regional development, discussed by UNESCO during the “Year of Africa” and the participation of the Republic representatives in this discussion. The approaches to solving regional problems generated by the Organization in the 1950s are stated. The paper considers the international situation and the preparations for the 11th session of the General Conference. Positions of session participants and its results are characterized in the article. The author holds to the concept of significant actuation of the Belorussian SSR in international organizations of the UN system during the years of the Khrushchev’s Thaw and the conversion of UNESCO by mid-60s into the priority in this area of foreign-policy activities of the Republic. After the signing of the UN Charter in 1945 the Republic became the subject of international relations and international law, but continued to remain the subject of the Soviet federation, which limited its sovereignty and affected its international activities.

The world wide experience of communication and cooperation of diasporas and origin countries shows various ways and forms how diasporas can contribute towards sustainable development of origin country. Lithuania also has relatively huge diaspora and faces increasing emigration every year. However, it still neglects the potential of it’s diaspora involvement in contributing to well-being of the country. In order to reveal the potential of Lithuanian diaspora the qualitative research was conducted. It used expert interview method with 12 leaders of foreign Lithuanian communities and organizations. The research revealed that Lithuanian diaspora is willing and could contribute significantly to the country’s sustainable development in various areas: scientific, business, cultural and social ones. In order to facilitate this cooperation, Lithuanian government should decrease barriers for cooperation and implement measures that would take into account the diversity of diaspora groups interests and possibilities, provide relevant information about means of engagement and support already existing and new diaspora networks and their initiatives.