EFNI Bays of Dialogue – informally about the challenges faced by
Transkrypt
EFNI Bays of Dialogue – informally about the challenges faced by
Press release Sopot, 2 October 2015 EFNI Bays of Dialogue – informally about the challenges faced by Poland It was the fifth time that the Curative Square hosted the Bays of Dialogue. The event gave the residents and visitors of Sopot the opportunity to meet EFNI panellists. In the course of two days anyone who wished to do so could take part in an open discussion with leading politicians and businesspeople. The meetings were an opportunity to establish close contact and have a face-to-face discussion on the subjects discussed at the Forum. Can Poland afford solidarity towards refugees? Danuta Hübner pointed out that Poland is perceived as a major member of the EU. That is why it must participate in solving the issue of refugees. 'We have benefited from the EU’s help and financial support on numerous occasions, so we know well what solidarity and mutual respect mean. At this point it is crucial for Europe to stick together. No one could solve this problem on their own,' said the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs at the European Parliament. The participants of the meeting emphasized that the talks concerning refugees ought to be moved from the Europe-wide level to the local level, in particular that of municipalities and local governments. The event was moderated by Piotr Kraśko. Why are we afraid of change? The residents of Sopot had the opportunity to meet Jerzy Buzek, as well. The Chair of the EFNI Programme Council argued that reforms and a positive attitude to change are indispensable. 'Looking at Poland from the outside, we can see what a giant step forward the country has made. We have numerous weaknesses which should be dealt with, but thanks to the current actions we are on the right track to achieve our goal,' Buzek said. In addition, the guests discussed current European problems and the challenges faced by Poland. 'People dislike change, but at this juncture that is what they expect. However, we have to keep in mind that change is good and serious only when considered in a long-term perspective,' Jerzy Buzek added. The moderator of the meeting was Piotr Kraśko. Which values should be promoted by public media? The questions of Dorota Warakomska and the guests were answered by Beata Jakoniuk-Wojcieszak who attempted to evaluate modern media. Among other things, the discussion concerned the lack of diversity and the ever greater pursuit for information among journalists. 'Journalism is a nature, not a profession. A true journalist is inquisitive and uncompromising, but above all follows ethical principles. These values should never be subject to any control,' said the Programme Secretary at TVP Info. On happiness and the meaning of life Philosopher and ethicist Magdalena Środa presented five concepts of happiness, the majority of which are derived from the advice of ancient philosophers. 'Happiness cannot be incidental. It is definitely something we have to develop, something based on a strong character and consistent actions,' emphasized the University of Warsaw professor. In the course of the discussion the participants unanimously declared that life makes sense only when it is ordered, that is it has a specific goal. Media partners of the Bays of Dialogue were Dziennik Bałtycki, TVP Gdańsk, Radio Gdańsk, and the trójmiasto.pl portal. *** THE EUROPEAN FORUM FOR NEW IDEAS is an international business congress attended by prominent representatives of politics, culture, science, and media. It has been organized since 2011 by the Polish Confederation Lewiatan in cooperation with BUSINESSEUROPE, the city of Sopot, and Polish and foreign companies and organizations. The Forum is aimed at creating ideas for a strong Europe and a competitive economy, a Europe open to trends of social growth and technology. This year's EFNI will be held on 30 September – 2 October 2015 in Sopot, and its theme is: Europe and the World in the Face of Growing Inequality, Radicalism, and Geopolitical Threats More information: www.efni.pl Honorary patronage Institutional partners Strategic partners Opening Gala partner Main partners Supporting partners Knowledge partners Logistics partner Official carrier Executive Producer President of the Republic of Poland, European Parliament Polish Industrial Development Agency S.A., European Commission, National Centre for Research and Development MetLife, PKN ORLEN, PZU, Totalizator Sportowy, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, Grupa Onet.pl, TVP SA Bank Pekao S.A. Biznes.pl, BMW, Citi Handlowy, Discovery NETWORKS CEEMEA, Forbes, France 24, Intel, Microsoft, Newsweek, Orange Polska, Parkiet, PKP S.A., Silvermedia AMS, Bloomberg Businessweek Polska, Gazeta Wyborcza, Havas Worldwide, Liberté!, McCANN Worldgroup, PAP Polish Press Agency, PGNiG SA, Polish Association of Employers in Mining Industry, Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, Puls Biznesu, Starcom MediaVest Group, Polish Association of Employers in Transport and Logistics, Warsaw Business Journal Observer, Association of Private Employers in Energy Industry, Digital Technology Employers Lewiatan Ashoka, Aspen Institute Prague, Centre for International Relations, demosEUROPA – Centre for European Strategy, ECFR, Institute of Public Affairs, POLITYKA INSIGHT, Res Publica Nowa, THINKTANK, Global Compact in Poland – an Initiative of the UN Secretary General, World Academy of Art and Science Lech Wałęsa Airport in Gdańsk PLL LOT IDFX MEDIA CONTACT: Zbigniew Maciąg, [email protected], phone number: +48 604 589 080