On May 16, 2025, Sukhoi State Technical University of Gomel hosted the 18th International Scientific Conference "Belarus in the Modern World." The event served as a vibrant forum, bringing together scholars, experts, and researchers from Belarus, Russia, Poland, and other countries. A particularly notable moment of the conference was the debut of high school students, whose works formed the basis of the 9th section of the conference, titled "My Contribution to the Future of the Country."

The inclusion of this section for young students in the conference was no coincidence. Since 2023, Gomel State Technical University has been coordinating the activities of specialized engineering classes in secondary schools across the Gomel region. Today, the university assists 42 schools in Gomel in providing quality education. Additionally, under the initiative of the Council of Young Scientists at the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, the university established a technical-focused creative space called "The Union of Technology and Creativity." This very space became the venue for the section's proceedings.

A total of 11 high school students from educational institutions in the Gomel and Vitebsk regions participated in the conference. The creative and welcoming atmosphere helped students overcome their initial hesitation about presenting at such a prestigious event. As a result, their presentations were emotionally engaging, with many of them showcasing innovative ideas, well-structured arguments, and captivating content. Due to the relatively small number of participants, the section was not divided into humanitarian and technical fields, allowing for a broad scope of topics to be explored. What areas of technical creativity, scientific knowledge, and social development are of interest to modern high school students?

Technical and Engineering Projects: • "Bladeless Fan (Dyson Fan)" – Alexander Abramchikov, 10th grade student at Gymnasium No. 46 in Gomel, named after Blaise Pascal (Scientific Advisor: V.N. Savenkov). The project received a first-degree diploma from the conference. • "Biomimetic Approach to Designing Upper Limb Prosthetics Using 3D Printing and Microcontrollers" – Anna Sidorenko, 9th grade student at Secondary School No. 5 in Rogachev (Scientific Advisor: S.N. Sattarova). Natural Science Research: • "Breeding Mantises on an Industrial Scale – A Real Support for Agriculture in Belarus" – Arthur Malikov, 5th grade student at Yeremino Secondary School (Scientific Advisor: M.Y. Shestakov). The project received a second-degree diploma from the conference. • "Eco-Friendly Tanning Methods Using Plant-Based and Synthetic Raw Materials" – Milana Khrapovitskaya, 11th grade student at Secondary School No. 4 in Postavy, named after V.F. Frontov (Scientific Advisor: D.S. Leonkova). Social Development Projects: • "Places of Memory in Belarus: Symbolic Meaning and Influence on the Public Consciousness of High School Students" – Ivan Silivonchik, 9th grade student at Secondary School No. 11 in Svetlogorsk (Scientific Advisor: T.V. Kolesnikovich). The project received a first-degree diploma from the conference. • "Memorialization of the Soviet People's Feats During the Great Patriotic War in the Territory of the Pribytkovsky Village Council, Gomel District" – Roman Stepankov, 10th grade student at Zyabrovskaya Secondary School, Gomel District (Scientific Advisor: N.V. Cherkas). The project received a second-degree diploma.

• "Patriotism as a Way of Life and Destiny" – Ksenia Bakhonko and Alexey Ivanov, 10th grade students at Secondary School No. 4 in Svetlogorsk (Scientific Advisor: S.M. Shandrak). The project received a third-degree diploma. • "The Influence of Inventions and Innovations on the Development of Society" – Alexey Fursa, 6th grade student at Yeremino Secondary School, Gomel District (Scientific Advisor: M.Y. Shestakov). The project received a third-degree diploma. • "What I Do for the Future of My Country" – Arseniy Pevnev, 10th grade student at Gomel City Lyceum No. 1 (Scientific Advisor: O.G. Vinnik). • "My Contribution to the Future of My Country: Culture and Memory as the Foundation of National Unity" – Maria Frolova, 9th grade student at Secondary School No. 2 in Petrikov (Scientific Advisor: A.A. Nekrashevich). We wish all participants success in their lives and studies, and encourage them to continue developing their creative and research approaches in the future!