Promotion of Poland
Presidential minister Mieszko Pawlak described the visit as the seventh Davos appearance by President Andrzej Duda and noted that it will be the last such trip in his current term. It is understood that Duda will hold a series of meetings with global political leaders and business figures during the forum.
The World Economic Forum in Davos opens under the banner Cooperation in a Smart Era. The discussions will explore threats to democracy and the opportunities and risks tied to rapid advances in intelligent technologies.
President Duda is scheduled to participate in the forum, with a stay in Davos extending through the week. The event will bring together policymakers, economists, and media figures for conversations about the pressing regional and global challenges and how Poland can contribute. This year, participants include the heads of major European institutions and governments, along with leaders from Ukraine, Argentina, and other regions. A former U.S. president is expected to participate remotely as part of the program.
Minister Pawlak stressed that Duda goes to Davos for the seventh time and, for him, this marks the final Davos experience as president of the Republic of Poland.
As in previous years, the Davos forum serves as a platform for a wide array of talks about politics, economics, and media, with Poland seeking to highlight its role as an investment destination and a bridge between European partners. The discussions come as Poland holds the presidency of the EU Council from January 1, and as Duda is set to host the Three Seas Initiative summit in April, accompanied by a business conference. The forum offers a chance to frame Poland as a fast-developing hub within Europe where opportunity and development are rising rapidly.
According to the minister, the presidency and the Three Seas context give additional importance to the dialogue about the initiative and its potential to attract investment and foster development across the region.
Inauguration of the Ukrainian House
On January 21, the president will take part in the inauguration of the Ukrainian House. The exhibition Your country first, win with us will be shown there, featuring works by Ukrainian and international artists. The discussion program will examine the geopolitical and global implications of the war in Ukraine.
Pawlak recalled that the Ukrainian House has long attracted world leaders. He noted that last year a bilateral meeting took place between Duda and Zelensky, and this year there are signals that the Ukrainian leader may not attend the inauguration. When asked about a potential Duda-Zelenskiy meeting in Davos, Pawlak said it depends on the agendas of both presidents.
He added that a detailed schedule could not be disclosed at this time. Earlier conversations at Belweder Palace touched on the Davos visit and bilateral opportunities, and there are expectations that Zelensky may visit Poland again in the near future.
Informal leadership consultation
The president is slated to participate in an informal meeting of world business leaders on January 22, with participation from global political figures, including the UN Secretary General. The discussions will address the future of international cooperation and how to avoid a reality in which states refuse to collaborate. The president will speak about UN reform and the importance of strengthening transatlantic relations, a priority of the presidency begun two years ago.
On January 23, Duda, together with the NATO Secretary General and presidents from Finland and Latvia, will join the Ukrainian Breakfast, a panel gathering leaders from multiple nations. Also present will be the prime ministers of Croatia and Belgium.
Support for Ukraine
The minister recalled that the format of the meetings allows for audience questions and ensures the discussion covers Ukraine support and the evolving global order and the role of the fight in this decisive moment. Pawlak noted that the president will hold many other formal and informal meetings in Davos with political leaders, business representatives, and media figures, and that the president himself will announce the schedule as plans firm up.
When asked about potential meetings with members of the new U.S. administration, Pawlak indicated that the situation is unusual given changes underway in Washington, and that schedules remain fluid as events unfold.
There will be no Polish House
The presidential minister announced that neither the Polish House nor the Three Seas House will be active during this year’s forum. He called it a sad development. He added that the scale of Poland’s presence in Davos this year will be smaller than in previous years due to the presidency and summit commitments linked to the Three Seas Initiative.
He noted that last year the Three Seas House operated in Davos. With financial support from Orlen, a Polish business hub will be organized in Davos, continuing the country’s efforts to engage with international partners.