Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, President-elect of Belarus, delivered the 2026 Keynote Address at the 18th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy on February 18th, 2026.
18th Annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, U.N. Opening, Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Key Quotes:
“When my husband was imprisoned, I had a choice: stay silent or step forward. I chose to run for president in his place. Not because I was brave. But because I was angry. Because I was heartbroken. Because I could not explain to my children why we did nothing.”
“Belarusians stand with Ukraine. Our fates are intertwined. A free Belarus means a safer Ukraine. A Ukrainian victory opens the door for Belarusian freedom.”
“I am here today not only to share my pain.I am here to ask you: do not normalize this regime. Do not forget our prisoners. Strengthen sanctions. Support civil society. Demand accountability. When Belarus is free, we will remember who stood with us.”
