This year's theme of the meeting – “Safe Lower Silesia – Safe Poland. Shared Responsibility, Shared Future” – perfectly reflects the need for unity, solidarity and cooperation in the face of contemporary challenges.
The Congress is organized by the Self-Government of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, which for years has created a space for open dialogue about the future of the region and the country. Previous editions of the event brought together hundreds of participants—local government officials, parliamentarians, representatives of the administration, uniformed services, business and academia. – Lower Silesia wants to be a leader in cooperation and responsible development, in which security is understood broadly—as certainty, stability and citizens’ trust in public institutions – emphasizes Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
On national and local security
The Congress will open with a debate titled “Country and region in the face of threats. Are we safe?”, moderated by Agnieszka Gozdyra from Telewizja Polsat. Invited guests include, among others, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Paweł Gancarz, Lower Silesian Voivode Anna Żabska, Mayor of Gdańsk Aleksandra Dulkiewicz and military analyst Jarosław Wolski. The discussion will focus on the role of regions in the state security system, civil-military cooperation and building societal resilience in the face of international threats.
Energy of the future – a pillar of security
In the second part of the event, participants will examine the challenges associated with the energy transition. The panel “Energy of the future – security in changing times”, moderated by Kamila Baranowska from the Interia portal, will bring together representatives of the administration, the private sector and energy-industry experts. Invited guests include, among others, Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka, Deputy Marshal of the Voivodeship Wojciech Bochnak, Members of Parliament Aleksandra Leo and Mirosława Stachowiak-Różecka, Tauron Nowe Technologie Management Board Vice-President Roman Warchoł and Energetyka24 editor-in-chief Jakub Wiech. The discussion will concern energy security, investment in renewable energy sources, the development of transmission networks and the role of local governments in transforming the energy sector.
Investment and infrastructure as a guarantee of stability
The third panel, titled “Infrastructure investment – the foundation of security”, will emphasize the importance of well-planned investment in roads, public transport, energy and digital infrastructure for the development and security of the region. The discussion will be led by Jacek Prusinowski from Super Express, while invited guests include, among others, Monika Wielichowska, Deputy Marshal of the Sejm; Michał Rado, Deputy Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship; Maciej Lasek, Government Plenipotentiary for CPK; and Sejmik Deputy Speakers Marek Łapiński and Cezary Przybylski. Participants will consider how to balance infrastructure investment with the needs of local communities and how to increase the region’s economic resilience to crises.
Civil defence and everyday security
The Congress will conclude with the panel “Civil defence in the regions – challenges and priorities”, led by Ewa Wilczyńska from Gazeta Wyborcza. Participants will include, among others, Renata Granowska, Deputy Mayor of Wrocław; Lower Silesian Voivodeship Sejmik councillors Małgorzata Calińska-Mayer and Monika Włodarczyk; as well as representatives of the services—Col. Edward Chyła, Commander of the 16th Lower Silesian Territorial Defence Brigade; Senior Brigadier Piotr Grzyb of the State Fire Service; and Prof. Wojciech Horyń of the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces. The discussion will address the role of local governments in the civil defence system, cooperation between services and local communities during crises, and civic education in the field of security.
Shared responsibility for the future
For years, the Lower Silesian Local Government Congress has been a venue for substantive debate and the exchange of experience among public administration, academia and business. This year’s edition, devoted to security in its many dimensions—from military and energy security to social security—reminds us that only cooperation and mutual trust can guarantee a stable future for Lower Silesia and all of Poland.
– The topics of the Local Government Congress are always the most pressing challenges. Thanks to the genuine commitment of Lower Silesian local government officials and the event’s other guests, we always find common ground and the best solutions – says Marshal Paweł Gancarz.
The event is held under the honorary patronage of Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz, Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak, Minister of Energy Miłosz Motyka and the Association of Polish Regions.
The Lower Silesian Local Government Congress has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of the region’s most important events. The meetings and discussions organized as part of it provide added value, enabling local governments to better prepare to implement their strategies by learning about proven solutions. Participation in the event is free of charge upon prior registration. The registration form is available here – https://sonda.dolnyslask.pl/