From civil protection to artificial intelligence – Poland Power of Business Congress 2024 concludes

On December 2, the Poland Power of Business 2024 Socio-Economic Congress concluded at the PGE National Stadium in Warsaw, gathering over 1,200 participants and more than 200 speakers. The event ended with a gala announcing the winners of the DNA – Because Helping Is in Our Genes competition. The winners were the Local Fund of the Śnieżnik Massif and the company Colian.

During the Poland Power of Business 2024 Congress, more than 25 discussion panels were held. Government representatives included Tomasz Siemoniak, Minister of Interior and Administration, who presented the objectives of the civil protection program; Ignacy Niemczycki, Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, who discussed the priorities of Poland’s presidency in the European Union; Anita Sowińska, Deputy Minister of Climate and Environment; and Adam Struzik, Marshal of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.

Business leaders also participated, including Wojciech Wolny, CEO of Euvic, and Marian Owerko, founder of the Gedeon Help Foundation, who shared their forecasts for the development of Poland’s economy amid dynamic global changes. Małgorzata Adamkiewicz, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Adamed, emphasized the importance of innovation in public health.

Safety as a foundation for the future

The Congress was inaugurated by Dr. Piotr Wachowiak, Professor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics, and Tomasz Siemoniak, Minister of Interior and Administration and coordinator of special services. Siemoniak presented the civil protection and defense program, stressing that the new legislation aims to transform the philosophy of citizen protection by involving businesses, academia, and local communities. “From being a subject for services or officials, this topic must become a matter for all citizens,” the minister stated.

The opening panel focused on international cooperation and preparing local structures to respond to crises. An effective civil protection program in Poland should rest on several key elements, such as strengthening the civil defense system, integrating technology more effectively, and engaging society. However, implementing such a program faces challenges, including the need to modernize infrastructure, adapt legal regulations, and educate citizens.

Priorities of Poland’s EU presidency

The Congress featured a debate on the key directions for Poland’s presidency of the European Union, which should focus on strengthening Europe’s economy and preparing it for future challenges. Ignacy Niemczycki emphasized that Poland will prioritize energy security and business competitiveness, advocating for cutting dependence on Russian gas and promoting a balanced energy transition. “Business expects three elements – geopolitical security, competitive energy prices, and stable supplies,” said Niemczycki.

The main goals of the presidency, discussed during the panel, include actions for sustainable development, energy transformation, and introducing new mechanisms under the Clean Industry Deal to support the green industrial revolution. Participants included Witold Literacki, First Vice President of ORLEN, and Piotr Jabłoński, Managing Director of International Relations at BGK.

Inspiring panels – a diverse range of topics at Poland Power of Business

In addition to debates on security, sustainable development, and technological transformation, the Congress featured engaging discussions on topics such as the future of sports. Panelists highlighted the economic and civilizational benefits of the prospect of hosting the Olympic Games in Poland.

Debates on circular economy, electromobility, and mental health addressed both global and local issues, presenting specific solutions for the Polish economy. Discussions on innovation also explored the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in business. Topics like healthy food, ESG standards, and new recycling norms facilitated a multifaceted conversation about environmental protection and new corporate responsibilities. Panelists included Marcin Żurowski – Head of Logistics Legal, H&M Europe; Aleksandra Stępniak – Public Affairs Manager, Velux Poland; Anna Preisner – Head of Logistics Sustainability, H&M; Ryszard Hordyński – Director of Strategy and Communication, Huawei Poland; Beata Drzazga – Founder and CEO of BetaMed; Krzysztof Rdest – CEO of EMKA S.A.; Michał Kulpiński – Sustainability Manager, Ferrero Poland; Monika Palimąka – Director of Public Programs ESG, PKO BP; Katarzyna Kucisz-Rosłon – Senior Manager Impact Team, McDonald’s; Henryk Kwapisz – Director of Institutional Relations, Saint-Gobain Poland; and Marcin Podgórski – Director of Waste Management, Emissions, and Integrated Permits at the Masovian Voivodeship Marshal’s Office.

The Congress also brought together parliamentarians and government representatives who enriched key panels with their expertise. On the BE SMART stage, Izabela Bodnar and Katarzyna Kierzek-Koperska discussed legislative needs in finance and investment. On the BE VALUE stage, Katarzyna Ueberhan emphasized the importance of diversity and human rights in the Storyleaders panel. Anita Sowińska participated in a panel discussing new standards for extended producer responsibility (EPR). Their presence underscored the importance of government-business collaboration in addressing critical challenges.

Local fund of the Śnieżnik Massif and Colian win DNA competition

The Congress concluded with a gala for the DNA – Because Helping Is in Our Genes competition. This year’s edition aimed to recognize organizations and companies involved in assisting residents of flood-affected areas. The Local Fund of the Śnieżnik Massif was praised for quickly organizing collections and providing support worth PLN 7.5 million, including building materials, household appliances, food, and psychological assistance. “I believe that altruism is encoded in our DNA,” emphasized Zuzanna Komornicka.

The second laureate, Colian, was awarded for the Colian Helps campaign, which delivered over 333,000 bottles of water to the hardest-hit communities. “The flood was a moment when we realized we had to act and help,” said Joanna Kąkol, the company’s spokesperson.

Special awards for their efforts to support flood victims were also given to Paweł Gancarz, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship; the Polsat Foundation; Employers of Poland; Corporate Connections; and the Polish Business Council.

“This event demonstrates that innovation, responsibility, and collaboration can shape the future of Poland’s economy,” concluded Agata Śmieja, President of the Clean Air Foundation.

main photo: Poland Power of Business Congress