Events

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The main themes of the event serve as inspiration for more than 160 debates

Geopolitics

The war in Ukraine has serious global implications for the economy and will continue to be one of the central foci of discussion during this Congress. The participants will talk about the accumulation of a number of crises: climate, energy, resources, safety, food, and global recession. They will also discuss the long-term consequences of the pandemic, albeit postponed. They will try to define the border between the need to be independent and self-sufficient and the need of cooperation and solidarity in the context of the perspectives and assessment of the shape of the European Union in the changing world.

What do supply chains and logistics look like and will look like in the new economic conditions? What are the predictions related to the impact of the sanctions on the Russian economy and how are businesses dealing with this challenge? Where should we look for opportunities for growth and success in global trade during these uncertain times? What is the role of Central European companies in the world economy? What is the future of money and what are the perspectives to expand the euro zone? What are the experiences, conclusions, and predictions for the economic cooperation of Poland with the following countries: the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, America, and post-Brexit Great Britain? What are the future plans for the Three Seas Initiative? These are just a few topics mentioned in the Congress schedule.

Ukraine – today and in the future

The war in Ukraine was one of the focal points of last year’s congress debate; this year, the topic shall return once again. The participants will investigate examples of consistent support for the fighting Ukraine, as well as the ramifications of war, current living conditions in the country, and the prospects for its restoration. They will also discuss the pro-European aspirations of Ukraine and subsequent steps to bring it closer to the European Union.

The Congress will examine Ukraine not only through the lenses of politics and economy, but it will also take a closer look at the Ukrainian people and the ways in which they cope with the consequences of the war. The discussion will also focus on the situation of Ukrainian women, the role of humanitarian help, the actions taken by non-government organisations, as well as the figures of Polish and Ukrainian leaders in the process of rebuilding the war-destroyed country. The speakers will talk about Ukrainians in Polish education, job market, and social life in the context of support lent by Poles to their eastern neighbours.

Towards green economy

The Congress will devote much space to adjusting the economy to the challenges thrown at us by the climate. During many discussions, the participants will analyse possible paths of development that will not burden the environment, talk about international cooperation to alleviate climate change, and consider the consumerisation of zero-emission technologies in industry and transport. The following subjects will be discussed broadly: green funding, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) as a new paradigm of economic activity, and involving responsible business and public money in the fight with the climate catastrophe.

How can we work together to aid the climate with respect to the diverse aspirations of countries in Europe and the world? How can business help nature? Can the circular economy become the dominant type? What is the role of sustainable supply chains, green trade, and sustainable food systems? How to manage our waste with respect to the ecosystem? The participants of this year’s Congress are up for an interesting and extremely pro-climate discussion.

Energy sector transformation

Reliable, safe, sustainable – what should be the energy mix now and in the future? This will also be one of the topics of the Congress, which will also allow its participants to familiarise themselves with achievements, challenges, and prospects related to the increase in the level of independence of European economies through access to their own energy sources, in the perspective of blocking Russian gas. The energy safety and hydrogen economy and its growth conditions will be discussed. The speakers will delve into the perspectives for the development of nuclear power and the transformations that occur in this industry. Katowice, as the capital of the Polish coal district, will definitely prompt a discussion about the role of coal against the energy crisis, the use of the so-called ‘critical raw materials’, and the potential of solutions, such as: photovoltaics, biogas, and wind energy.

Technology, innovation, digitalisation

The participants of the congress debates will talk about the areas of the digital world that have the greatest potential to change the economy and everyday life, such as clouds, Big Data, AI, or technologies of Industry 4.0, and even 5.0. Artificial intelligence will be examined as one of the most expansive technologies that has changed the economy and social life.

The invited guests will explore the topic of the global digital race and the role of digital technologies in the fight for climate. The participants will not hesitate to comment on the new digital metaverse world, digital inequalities, cyber threats, and cybersecurity.

The Congress will also be an excellent opportunity to review the technologies of the future and take a closer look at the dynamic development of such solutions and phenomena as bots, biorevolutions, blockchain, biometry, automation, and drones.

Macro- and microperspective

Starting with phenomena observed on a global scale, the EEC will also investigate the ways in which they translate to the mode of living of European societies and the everyday life in Poland. It will touch upon the issues that stem from galloping inflation and discuss long-term coping strategies. The participants will consider the current state of the banking sector and how it influences consumer choices. Much space will be devoted to the challenges, changes, and problems of local governments, cities, and regions, the role of public and private partnership, restoration of the city space, and transformation of metropolises to be consistent with the idea of green transformation. The problems of the healthcare system will also find its place among the discussions.

The Congress will also consider the subject of women in business, including equality in the workplace, woman leadership, and the opportunities to break the glass ceiling.
The following topics will also be touched upon: wise and efficient support, the role of the third sector, the city-forming and pro-developmental role of culture, cooperation between science and business, new phenomena in communication and marketing, and the changes in the Polish start-up scene.

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AGH University speakers

• Professor Jerzy Lis
  Rector of the AGH University of Krakow
  session: Education for the future
  24 April, 12:30–14:00
   
• Dr hab. Eng. Joanna Jaworek-Korjakowska, Associate Professor at the AGH University
  Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science, and Biomedical Engineering
  expert in artificial intelligence
  session: Artificial intelligence
  24 April, 12:30–14:00
   
• Izabela Albrycht
  Director of the AGH University Cybersecurity Centre
  session: Cyber threats and cybersecurity
  24 April, 12:30–14:00
   
• Professor Tadeusz Uhl
  Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics
  Director of the AGH University Space Technology Centre Centre
  session: Education for the space industry in Poland
  25 April, 13:30–14:30
   
• Professor Paweł Gajda
  Faculty of Energy and Fuels
  Member of the Board of the European Nuclear Society, expert in nuclear power
  session: SMR, or atom made to measure
  25 April, 13:30–14:30

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The Congress will be accompanied by the European Forum of Young Leaders, which provides a platform for young activists from the European Union, the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and Poland to share their experiences, make contact, and discuss the issues that matter to young people across Europe. Last year, the European Forum of Young Leaders brought in more than 250 young activists from different parts of the globe, accompanied by entrepreneurs and students from regional universities. This year, all of them will have a chance to meet the representatives of business and opinion leaders present at the Congress. In turn, the Congress participants will be invited to take part in the activities of the European Forum of Young Leaders. The themes of the Forum include education for the future (science and business); job market anew; public-private partnership; education during conflict; and the role of voluntary work for young people.

The 15^th EEC will be accompanied by ceremonial award presentations. The following competitions will be concluded: EEC Startup Challenge, Top Inwestycje Komunalne oraz Inwestor Bez Granic; as well as the Ranking of Green Initiatives.

The organiser of the European Economic Congress, since its very first edition in 2009, is the PTWP Group.