The Polish Ambassador to the UK, Prof. Piotr Wilczek, spoke at the opening of the Polonia Congress „Poland, the Great Project″. The Congress, organised by the Foundation Poland Great Project and the British Poles, was a day-long event for Poles living outside their homeland.

The event was held on Saturday, 16 September, at The View conference centre in the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons. The distinguished conference participants met with leading representatives of the English-Polish community and representatives of Polish national institutions involved in contact with compatriots living abroad.

Below is the entire text of the speech.

„Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, members of the Polish diaspora, dear representatives of both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Poland,

I stand before you today, filled with immense pride, as the Ambassador of Poland to the United Kingdom, on the special occasion of the Polonia Congress „Poland, the Great Project” right here in London. Our gathering, in the iconic setting of The View within the Royal College of Surgeons, beautifully highlights the deep bonds and shared ambitions between our homeland, Poland, and its invaluable diaspora.

The contributions of the Polish community abroad, particularly here in Britain, are monumental. Through culture, talent, and unwavering dedication, you have not only enriched the Polish narrative but have also made significant imprints on the British landscape. Today’s conference isn’t merely a commemoration. It is an ambitious stride towards further integration, collaboration, and a heartfelt celebration of our shared heritage.

Today, our discussions will address the proactive efforts of the Polish government in embracing our diaspora, the vital role Polonia plays in strengthening Polish-British relations, and the crucial mission of preserving our Polish identity across the vast expanses of the world.

I eagerly look forward to the insights our distinguished panellists will share. And as we transition later into an artistic performance and banquet, it will be a moment for each one of us to connect, converse, and most importantly, celebrate that unique thread of Polish identity that binds us all.

This gathering is more than an event. It is a living embodiment of the spirit of Poland and its people, a spirit that remains undiminished, no matter where we find ourselves in the world. To every individual here – the youth, seniors, academics, entrepreneurs – and to everyone for whom Poland resonates as a cherished part of their identity: today, we celebrate not just our shared heritage but also our shared aspirations.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, let’s make this day not just about reminiscing the past, but about forging an even brighter future.

Thank you.”

Photo: British Poles

The project was financed by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister as part of the Polonia and Poles Abroad 2023 grant.