National Leader, Republic of Belarus
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya is the National Leader of Belarus and Head of the United Transitional Cabinet. Independent observers widely agree she won the 2020 presidential election, defeating dictator Aliaksandr Lukashenka. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Tsikhanouskaya reshaped the Belarusian pro-democracy movement and led the United Transitional Cabinet, coordinating underground resistance and supporting Belarusian volunteer units fighting for Ukraine. She has built international support, advocating for the release of political prisoners and a peaceful transition of power through fair elections. Tsikhanouskaya’s journey began when she entered the race after her husband’s arrest. Despite Lukashenka’s dismissal, she united a strong democratic coalition. Forced into exile, she led peaceful protests in Belarus and launched an anti-war movement against Belarus’ involvement in Ukraine. She has received several awards and nominations, including the Sakharov Prize and Nobel Peace Prize.
The Sedona Forum is the McCain Institute’s annual, high-level gathering of national and international leaders held each spring in the red rock country of Sedona, Arizona. Starting from the assumption of character-driven leadership and core democratic values, The Sedona Forum convenes thought-leaders, decision makers, activists and diverse experts to discuss approaches and solutions to real-world problems.
