On 9–10 October 2025, the third edition of the National Congress of Local Cooperation took place at the Museum of Polish History in Warsaw. The event, organised by the Foundation for the Development of Local Democracy (FRDL), brought together representatives of NGOs, civic activists, and local governments from across Poland to exchange experiences, knowledge, and best practices. This year’s Congress focused on how local integration and grassroots initiatives can strengthen communities and prepare them for contemporary challenges. In a time of rapid global change, organisers emphasised that local cooperation between civil society and self-government remains essential for building resilient and engaged communities.
Prof. Paulina Pospieszna, as a member of the Congress Programme Council moderated the panel titled: “Deliberative innovations as a space for dialogue between climate activists and local governments.”
The panel featured:
- Witold Gawda – Congress of Urban Movements,
- Monika Szewczyk-Wittek – Director at the Polska z Natury Foundation,
- Bartłomiej Schmidt – President of the Lepsze Miasto Association,
- Maciej Wereszczyński – Expert at the European Climate Foundation, previously affiliated with Extinction Rebellion and the Polish Green Network.
The discussion demonstrated that deliberative processes, such as climate assemblies, can become not only one-off participatory events but also long-term platforms for cooperation, rebuilding trust and fostering shared responsibility in addressing climate challenges.
