IGF Poland

IGF Poland 2025 took place on 24 and 25 November in Warsaw. The conference was co-organised by the Ministry of Digital Affairs and NASK - National Research Institute. IGF Poland is a part of the UN IGF National and Regional Initiatives network and serves as the national Internet Governance Forum for local stakeholders. It is aimed at shaping and facilitating discussion on the development of digital space and on current and key issues related to the functioning of the Internet at the local level.

This year's Forum lasted two days. The organizers prepared a draft program for the first day of the conference, which featured discussions organized by the Ministry of Digital Affairs.

After the official opening by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs of the Republic of Poland Krzysztof Gawkowski, participants listened to a keynote speech by Edwin Bendyk, President of the Stefan Batory Foundation, who answered the question: “Where is the digital world heading?” The speech focused on trends in the world of technology, what they mean, and how they affect countries and people.

The next item on the agenda was a debate entitled “What does technology policy look like today and tomorrow”, moderated by Sylwia Czubkowska. The discussion focused on changes in the operating models of countries and geopolitical blocs in the face of digital challenges.

Together with Karol Tokarczyk from Polityka Insight, participants tried to answer the question “What does the Polish digital economy need” in order to develop dynamically, yet in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Sessions selected by the Program Board through an open call took place on the second day of the Forum and were held within four thematic tracks:

• Smart City: people at the heart of smart solutions
  Smart cities should serve their residents, not technology itself. It is essential to design services based on people's real needs, with respect for privacy, equal access, and transparency. Smart City is not only about more efficient transport or greener energy, but also about new opportunities: from easier access to public services to greater social engagement. How can we create smart communities that strengthen trust and use data and new technologies ethically, while giving residents real tools to improve their quality of life? How can we get people to use digital amenities in a natural, intuitive, and safe way? How can we plan the implementation of digital policies, programs, and projects so that no one is excluded from the Smart City?
• Poland and Europe in the world of technological competition
  In recent years, individual countries and geopolitical blocs have been increasingly striving to build their own digital capabilities. How should Poland and Europe act to effectively develop the digital economy? What are the key weaknesses, and where can we find competitive advantages? To what extent are we able to ensure our digital sovereignty, and what tools should we use to do so?
• A secure digital space
  Cybercrime statistics are growing every year, ransomware groups operate like professional companies, and in addition to “ordinary” thieves and fraudsters, groups associated with hostile states are also lurking on the web. But security in the digital world must be viewed comprehensively - it also involves building an informed society, combating disinformation and illegal content, and ensuring digital hygiene. As Poland, we are doing many things well. What should we be most proud of? Where are the biggest challenges and deficits currently, and how can we address them?
• Technologies of the present and future
  Every few years, or even more frequently, a technology emerges in the digital world that, according to its proponents, is set to become so groundbreaking that it will transform the economy. Metaverse, blockchain, NFT, edge computing, and finally quantum technologies and artificial intelligence. We already know that some of them have not brought about a revolution. Others, especially the last two, still seem to have enormous potential. So where are the opportunities for real revolution? How can we distinguish truly transformative technologies from artificially generated hype that will not change the world but can be profitable? And what can be done to minimize the risks that inevitably accompany new technologies?

This year's Forum brought together experts representing all stakeholder groups.

IGF Poland 2025 was held in Polish language only and no interpretation was provided.

 

All sessions were broadcast live. Links to the recording:

OPENING CEREMONY – KEYNOTE SPEECH – PANEL DISCUSSIONS (plenary hall) – 24 November 2025, 14:00 – 17:55

Track SMART CITY: PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF SMART SOLUTIONS (La Boheme Room) – 25 November 2025, 10.00 – 16.45

Track: POLAND AND EUROPE IN THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGICAL COMPETITION (Carmen Room) – 25 November 2025, 10.00 – 16.45

Track: A SAFE DIGITAL SPACE (Don Giovanni Room) – 25 November 2025, 10:00 – 16:45

Track: TECHNOLOGIES OF THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE (Symfonia Room) – 25 November 2025, 10:00 – 16:45

 

A final report in English is available here for download.