On April 28, the Świetlica Wolności (Freedom Lounge) in Warsaw hosted the inaugural meeting of the “Open Doors of the Center for Development Strategies” series, focusing on the theme “Reflections on Economic Sovereignty in the 21st Century.” The event launched the Center’s new project, which aims to create a space for substantive discussion and to build a community of people dedicated to strategic thinking about Poland’s future.
After the guests were welcomed by President Paweł Ernst and Vice-President Daniel Lichota, a panel discussion was held. The session was moderated by Lidia Marcinkowska and featured the following participants:
- Minister Adam Andruszkiewicz – Secretary of State in the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland,
- Marcin Chludziński – Chairman of the Foundation Board of the Center for Development Strategies
- dr hab. Michał Łuczewski – Professor at the Faculty of Sociology of the University of Warsaw.
The discussion focused on pivotal questions concerning the contemporary understanding of sovereignty across economic, social, and technological dimensions. Minister Adam Andruszkiewicz drew attention to the significance of state control over strategic sectors of digitalization, emphasizing the necessity of defining which services and systems ought to remain within the public domain. Marcin Chludziński addressed the practical dimension of economic sovereignty, noting that it is essential to precisely identify the areas in which Poland must maintain independence, as well as to develop the capacity for generating indigenous growth and capital. He further underscored the importance of long-term strategic planning, indicating that Poland should aspire to join the group of the world’s most highly developed economies. Additionally, he highlighted the need to establish a political consensus around key development projects to guarantee their continuity irrespective of political changes. Meanwhile, Dr. hab. Michał Łuczewski proposed a reflection on sovereignty in its cultural and intellectual dimensions. He emphasized the significance of the capacity for independent thought and the critical appraisal of paradigms imposed from abroad. He also addressed the challenges linked to internal social divisions, arguing that building dialogue and consensus constitutes a necessary condition for reinforcing sovereignty.
Following the conclusion of the panel, participants were given the opportunity to engage in discussions and exchange opinions in a less formal setting during the networking segment.
The inaugural meeting demonstrated a significant demand for an in-depth debate regarding the strategic directions of Poland’s development. Since yesterday’s event, the “Open Doors of the Center for Development Strategies” serves as a platform for such discussions—a venue for engagement, inspiration, and the joint pursuit of answers to the paramount questions of the modern era.
We encourage you to view the photo report from the event.
