Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski began his speech by expressing immense appreciation for the young people who, driven by their hunger for knowledge and ambition, decided to participate in the 6th Our Future Forum. He emphasized that the younger generation should not fear dreaming big and creating bold visions for Poland’s development. Referring to the words of Kamil Tomkowicz, he agreed that Poland could surpass the United Kingdom economically within the next 10 years. However, he noted that dreams alone are not enough—what matters most is turning them into reality.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that Our Future Forum is not only one of the largest educational conferences in Poland but also a unique platform for intergenerational dialogue about the country’s future. He extended special recognition to Michał Mazur, the founder of the Our Future Foundation, thanking him for his tremendous work and dedication to developing the foundation. He also expressed gratitude to the scientists and entrepreneurs who accepted the invitation to the event, emphasizing that collaboration between science and business is indispensable for Poland’s continued economic growth.

The Deputy Prime Minister also commended the substantive program of the conference, particularly appreciating the choice of key topics such as defense and mental health. He then warned participants that the dream of a great Poland could end abruptly, especially in light of the ongoing war beyond Poland’s eastern border. He reminded the audience that the era of peace in Europe has ended irreversibly, stressing the need to focus on the most critical challenges of the future in the coming years.

In his speech, he shared a story from his visit to Silicon Valley, where he met young Polish entrepreneurs who had achieved significant financial success. He recounted asking them about their reasons for leaving Poland and whether they planned to return. They responded that their decision was driven primarily by the lack of legal stability in Poland, rather than a lack of investors or support from other entrepreneurs. The Deputy Prime Minister expressed deep regret over this issue, emphasizing that restoring legal stability in Poland should be a top priority in the coming years.

Continuing, he noted that Poland could be an attractive place for building political, business, and scientific careers. He stated that the government’s role should be to support young people and encourage them to persevere in pursuing their goals. He expressed hope that in a few years, or perhaps a decade, the beneficiaries of the Our Future Foundation would be making critical decisions about Poland’s future, and that the foundation itself would achieve many more successes.

In closing, the Deputy Prime Minister addressed the event participants, reminding them that “to want is to be able” and encouraging them to reach for goals beyond the horizon.