Two years have passed since Piotr Mazurek took on the role of Government Plenipotentiary for Youth Policy and Vice-Chairman of the Public Benefit Commission. A closer look at the record reveals a public life already rich in experience. At thirtyish, Mazurek brings a long arc of civic engagement and policy exposure, dating back more than a decade. His early steps show a pattern: organizing, coordinating, and pushing forward youth and civic initiatives that mattered to communities.
According to the Commission for Public Benefit, Mazurek helped organize many editions of the Warsaw March of Captain Pilecki and the Forum of Youth Organizations titled Together for the Future. In 2011 he co-founded the Social Committee to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers. The following years saw him collaborating with the Congress of Independent Media. From April 2011 to November 2013 he coordinated a project called Thursday Meetings at the Republican Foundation. Between 2011 and 2015 he served as vice-chairman of the KoLiber Association’s board.
Where did this political activity lead? Among other contributions, he helped craft a program named Vision for the Young Generation, which in May 2015 became part of Andrzej Duda’s official platform for addressing young Poles. He spoke at numerous conferences, participating in events such as the Polska Wielki Projekt Congress and two Law and Justice program congresses titled Thinking Poland in 2015 and 2019. Since November 2015 he has been involved with the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, holding various roles until September 23, 2020, when Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki named him Secretary of State in the Chancellery and Government Plenipotentiary for Youth Policy. From November 17, 2020, he served as State Secretary at the Chancellery. In November 2020 he joined the Works Council and rose to deputy chairman of the Public Benefit Committee.
One notable initiative credited to him is a law strengthening the influence of youth councils in local government units. This measure aims to grant youth delegates not only advisory powers but also a direct role in adopting resolutions at the local level. In his view, the aim is to move beyond a ceremonial role and empower youth councils with real duties. He described this at the XXX Economic Forum held in Karpacz, where he participated in multiple panel discussions last year. He also participated in a related Forum this year, which included workshops for local authorities involved in youth councils. The law in question was pursued as a key part of the government program and passed by the Senate without amendments, a sign of broad political alignment around the idea. The interaction with the Council for Dialogue with the Young Generation, established in 2019 as a partnership between state bodies and youth communities, is cited as a significant factor in shaping this policy.
Beyond legislation, Mazurek has championed a variety of initiatives. The Ambassador of the Young Generation of the Republic of Poland competition seeks to recognize young people active in social and civic spheres and to highlight organizations that support their work. The goal is to prompt broader participation among youths and to showcase projects carried out by schools, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, youth councils, universities, and businesses that focus on young people. The competition spans nine categories and has recognized a diverse set of winners. Among them is Ryszard Florek, president and co-owner of FAKRO, who received the award in the Patron of the Young Generation category for his notable involvement in youth-oriented activities. Other honorees include members of regional youth assemblies, volunteers in senior support programs, and educational institutions serving as models for youth engagement.
The trust’s activity extends to ongoing meetings with young social activists and local government leaders, along with financial support for civil society initiatives touching education, prevention, health, and entrepreneurship. Some efforts come from conservative circles, which underscores a broader shift in the political landscape. That shift has drawn attention and sometimes irritation from opposing sides, yet it underscores the natural impulse of any governing coalition to connect with the next generation. In this political context, a conservative figure working to engage youth is often seen as a challenger to the status quo.
Further reading has highlighted conversations about how youth rallies are perceived and how dialogue with young people is being integrated into regular governance. The government’s approach has emphasized active dialogue with youth communities, rather than performative displays. The Mazurek era is marked by a blend of policy development, public engagement, and the practical delivery of initiatives designed to strengthen youth participation in civic life. The emphasis on measurable outcomes, such as the expansion of youth council powers and the visibility of youth-led initiatives, remains a defining feature of this period.
In summary, Mazurek’s two-year tenure blends program development, institutional leadership, and public diplomacy around youth policy. His work illustrates a coherent strategy to elevate youth voices within local and national governance, promote civic activism, and encourage a more participatory political culture. The result is a more connected approach to youth policy that aligns with broader goals of social engagement, governance accountability, and youth empowerment across Poland.