Every year in early September, hundreds of diplomats, politicians, businessmen, journalists, entrepreneurs, scientists, intellectuals, researchers, and many other prominent figures from the spheres of art and culture among others, will gather for the International Economic Forum in the huge Gołębiewski Hotel in the beautiful Silesian town of Karpacz. 

The event involves around 4,500 participants from dozens of countries across the world. The event lasts three days and comprises over 300 debates and panel discussions. It allows participants to meet, create new bonds and relations via networking, and, broadly speaking, debate and discuss the future of Central Europe.

In addition to the unavoidable topic of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the numerous discussions and debates will centre around subjects such as international relations, security, energy, health policy, innovation, and sustainable development.

The Economic Forum is the “place to be” when it comes to regional actors and certainly business people willing to invest in the region. It was launched in 1991 by the social activist Zygmunt Berdychowski. The main organisers remain the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies and the Economic Forum Program Council. 

The event used to take place in the Polish town of Krynica-Zdrój (Lesser Poland) until 2021. It’s the second year Karpacz (Lower Silesia) hosts the grandiose event. 

Image: Forum Ekonomiczne

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen