On July 6th, we had the distinct pleasure of inaugurating the 24th edition of the Visegrad Summer School at Villa Decius in Krakow.
We proudly welcomed a new generation of exceptional young professionals, researchers, and emerging leaders from across the region to tackle this year's pressing theme: the #FutureofInformation. The opening session commenced with a welcoming address and an introductory speech by Dominika Kasprowicz, Director of the Villa Decius Association, titled "Is There a Future for Information?".
We proudly welcomed a new generation of exceptional young professionals, researchers, and emerging leaders from across the region to tackle this year's pressing theme: the #FutureofInformation. The opening session commenced with a welcoming address and an introductory speech by Dominika Kasprowicz, Director of the Villa Decius Association, titled "Is There a Future for Information?".
This set a robust academic framework for an inspiring V4 Diplomats’ Debate: "Information and Innovation in a Changing Society: Visegrad Perspectives". The panel featured distinguished guests: Márta Ritecz-Sekulic, Consul of Hungary in Poland Martin Vereš, Second Secretary, Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Poland, Konrad Adamowicz, Deputy Director of the Department of Strategic Communication and Countering Foreign Disinformation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. The engaging dynamics and flow of the debate were expertly guided by our moderator, Andrzej Brzeziecki.
The comprehensive discussion tackled how the digital revolution and AI are reshaping the tools of diplomacy, the critical need for cognitive security, and the importance of cross-sector cooperation in building societal resilience against disinformation.
Following the debate, participants attended the first keynote lecture of the program: "Future Trajectories of Central European Cooperation and the Myth of Central Europe," delivered by prof. Michal Vašečka. Through an interactive and comparative approach, the lecture provided a profound sociological context on Central European identity, historical narratives, and shifting public opinions regarding V4 cooperation.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all the guests who accompanied us during the inauguration, and to our esteemed Partners, Sponsors, and Media Patrons whose continued support makes this regional dialogue possible: International Visegrad Fund, Małopolska, Kraków PL, Knihovna Václava Havla, Bratislava Policy Institute, Grupa ZUE Konsulat Generalny Węgier w Krakowie / Magyarország Főkonzulátusa Krakkó, Krakkói Magyar Centrum - Centrum Węgierskie w Krakowie Slovenské veľvyslanectvo v Poľsku / Ambasada Słowacji w Polsce, Centrum Wielokulturowe w Krakowie.
We are also proud to announce that the media patronage over the event was assumed by: Polskie Radio dla Zagranicy - Redakcja Polska, Radio Kraków, tvp.info.
To our participants: the stage is set. We wish you a fruitful 10 days filled with critical thinking, bold ideas, and unforgettable cross-cultural connections at Villa Decius!
Below is a short photo report from the inauguration.
