Record attendance during the XXXIII Economic Forum in Karpacz

During the XXXIII Economic Forum, topics from areas such as security, artificial intelligence, digitalization, health, energy, ecology, and national and international policy were discussed. As in previous years, dedicated program paths had their established position, including the Healthcare Forum, the Regions Forum, Business and Management, and Sustainable Development.

Traditionally, during the Economic Forum, a presentation of the Report prepared by the Warsaw School of Economics and the Economic Forum took place. For the seventh time, experts from SGH presented analyses of the most important economic and social issues in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. The report, which is a comprehensive analysis of the most important socio-economic issues in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, is the foundation for substantive discussions that took place over the three days of the Forum. This year, the SGH Report was created in cooperation with the European Investment Bank.

This year, as in the previous edition, a special place in the program was devoted to the situation beyond our eastern border. The discussion panels focused primarily on the future of Europe in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the partnership between Poland and Ukraine, financing the reconstruction of the Ukrainian economy, and Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Another important event was the ceremonial signing of a letter of intent regarding the development of a special report entitled “Supply chain security in the Polish defense industry”. The signatories of the letter were Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Zygmunt Berdychowski, Chairman of the Program Council of the Economic Forum, Prof. dr hab. Piotr Wachowiak, Rector of the Warsaw School of Economics, Brig. Gen. prof. dr hab. inż. Przemysław Wachulak, Rector of the Military University of Technology in Warsaw, Prof. dr hab. inż. Andrzej Szarata, Rector of the Krakow University of Technology. This initiative aims to analyze key challenges and solutions that will strengthen the stability and resilience of the supply chain in the defense sector – crucial for Poland’s strategic interests.

The key events of the Economic Forum included the Plenary Sessions, the topics and composition of participants of which reflected the most important thematic areas of the Forum. During the first day of the XXXIII Economic Forum in Karpacz, a plenary session entitled “Building an economic future: infrastructure, innovation, development” was held. Speakers discussed key elements shaping the economy, such as technological development, globalization and integrated supply chains. The discussion showed how crucial it is to adapt economic policy to the challenges of the modern world and how important it is to invest in technology, education and dialogue between business and politics.

During the plenary session “Time for new leaders: shaping the future together” both opportunities and threats related to the development of artificial intelligence were discussed. The discussion was attended by leading experts from various fields, who emphasized that artificial intelligence is the future, but also a challenge that requires thoughtful education and wise use.

The second day of the forum began with a plenary session entitled: “Take it easy. Europe and the war in the East”. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine reminded Europe that peace is not a given once and for all. Participants debated what steps should be taken to strengthen security on the continent. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz summed up the session, emphasising the importance of expanding the army, strengthening the national community and maintaining strong alliances for years to come.

The evening plenary session on the second day of the XXXIII Economic Forum in Karpacz addressed key issues related to the development of artificial intelligence and digital innovations in the Central and Eastern European region. The session was attended by, among others, Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski, who spoke about the dynamic development of digitisation in Poland, emphasising the digital security that places Poland in the TOP 5 in the world.

The Forum concluded with the session “Partnership for a Sustainable Future”. Participants discussed how we can build a safe and sustainable future together. Oleksandra Romantsova, Director of the Center for Civil Liberties in Ukraine, spoke about the need for international cooperation in the pursuit of peace and justice. Zoltan Varga, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Gremi Media, drew attention to the threat of disinformation, and Jens Nielsen from the World Climate Foundation spoke about the need to invest in green technologies. Sage Lenier emphasized the importance of social change in order to move away from fossil fuels.

The Economic Forum in Karpacz is not only about debates on socio-economic topics, but also a rich cultural and recreational program. The Economic Forum also has a tradition of meetings with authors of the most interesting book premieres of the year. Over 30 meetings with books were held during the Forum, including with such prestigious experts as: Jacek Dukaj, Prof. Aleksandra Przegalińska, Leszek Miller, Prof. Jerzy Bralczyk, Prof. Bogdan Góralczyk and Prof. Marcin Jacoby, Marek Budzisz, Prof. Marcin Piątkowski and Zbigniew Parafianowicz. The forum was also attended by representatives of the world of sports and culture, including: Robert Korzeniowski, a Polish athlete, walker, four-time Olympic champion and actress Katarzyna Figura.

As every year, the Forum debates were covered by the largest Polish media and many foreign media. The XXXIII Economic Forum hosted over 800 journalists and media representatives, whose work resulted in thousands of news items, reports, correspondence, broadcasts and reports.