In June 8-9 this year in Warsaw the first edition of the Congress of Polish International Experts was held, which was a meeting of people working in international organizations and institutions, as well as related think tanks, universities and private sector entities. The Congress was to enable participants to launch a debate on a comprehensive approach to the Polish security policy, development cooperation, economic cooperation and the promotion of democracy and human rights.
During the meeting, a platform bringing together experts and leaders both in Poland and abroad was inaugurated: www.globalnylider.pl
The organizer of the Congress was the Casimir Pulaski Foundation, headed by Zbigniew Pisarski. The co-organizers were: Networking.pl and the Center of International Relations (Dr. Małgorzata Bonikowska). The ministries of Foreign Affairs, Science and Higher Education, Investment and Development , and Entrepreneurship and Technology also gave their support as well as numerous research centers and think tanks. The Alumni Association was also a partner of the event.
During the two-day debates and networking sessions, the support of Polish experts and leaders in international institutions, the private and non-governmental sector in the world was considered; opportunities to use the presence of Poles in the most important international institutions and companies were debated;
and the priorities to be taken for the development of Polish international expertise were examined. Jacek Czaputowicz, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Jarosław Gowin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and Higher Education had their speeches as well.
The Congress was not only deliberations but also individual conversations. Most of them took place during the banquet organized at the end of the first day. A relaxed atmosphere, good drinks and an excellent location with a view to the Royal Castle in Warsaw allowed participants to have “Poles’ night talks” in the spirit of international initiatives until late hours.
The positive news was that a significant number of Alumni came for the Congress. Our members were speakers, moderators and active participants in the debates and networking sessions. I hope that during the second edition I will have the opportunity to meet even more Alumni.
