Ensuring a high level of security is an important element of the country's domestic and foreign policy. This obligation applies to all levels of government administration and local government. It ranges from the protection of borders or critical infrastructure to local communities. The “Regional Dimension of Security” conference discussed how the global security architecture is currently shaping up and what Poland's place is in this system. The discussion focused on a comprehensive approach to solving crisis situations and on social security, which affects all citizens. An efficient state and its institutions are a prerequisite for ensuring security in every dimension.

The topics around which the expert debate revolved:

Global dimension of security, the position of Poland

The war in Ukraine, the refugee crisis and the energy crisis are resulting in fundamental changes in the European and global security architecture. Western democracies are experiencing challenges that, until recently, seemed to be a thing of the past. The existing order and security infrastructure are disintegrating - there is no prospect of stability, and states and international institutions are manoeuvring to avoid total chaos. There was a discussion on Poland's position in a world of instability and how to emerge defensively from a multidimensional crisis?

Local security, the role of local government in crisis management

Crisis management is a key link in the system of ensuring the security of the local community. The essence of crisis management is the interaction between all levels of government and the cooperation with other actors in the field, including non-governmental organisations. Increasingly, we are dealing with crisis situations that are caused by both natural forces and human activity. War and crises such as energy and climate crises increase the scale of the challenges. The local community should be guaranteed systemic solutions that would be the foundation of its security. There was discussion about what shape they should take. And what is the role of the local government?

Social security, key challenges

In the system of combating threats at the state and local levels, the human being is the most important actor and element requiring protection. Stable security conditions are essential not only during crises, but above all in our everyday life. We devoted our attention to social groups that should be subject to special protection. We talked about the security of women and families, understood as: health security, physical security, economic security (labour market, professional activity).

Experts participating in the panel discussions: Dr Agnieszka Bryc, Andrzej Buła, Gen. Radosław Kujawa, Tomasz Siemoniak, Dr Rafał Batkowski, Julia Boguslavska, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Sabina Nowosielska, Prof. Irena Lipowicz, Jacek Monkiewicz, Prof. Gen. Bogusław Pacek, Piotr Tarapata.