Round Table Conference – Journey into the Unknown

05.04.202510:00Independence Museum in Warsaw, Przebendowski/Radziwiłł Palace, Online broadcast

The conference “Round Table – Journey into the Unknown” takes place on the 36th anniversary of the conclusion of the Round Table Talks and the 75th anniversary of the Polish Students’ Association. It is the voice of those who once helped shape history and now return to it with reflection. The event is part of a nationwide debate on the significance of the 1989 transformation and a reminder that dialogue was – and still can be – a path to change.

About Event

The year 1989 changed everything.

Dialogue, not violence – that was the path back then. Difficult, but groundbreaking. Today, 36 years after the conclusion of the Round Table Talks, we return to that atmosphere once again: filled with anxiety, but also hope that something new can be born.

The conference “Round Table – Journey into the Unknown”, organized on April 5, 2025 at the Museum of Independence in Warsaw, is an event that commemorates that moment, but above all creates space for discussion about how those events have shaped Poland, ourselves, and future generations. It takes place in a symbolic year – the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Polish Students’ Association, an organization that for decades has shaped civic attitudes and built bridges between the academic world and society.

Agenda

Speech by Aleksander Kwaśniewski

President of Poland 1995–2005, participant of the Round Table Talks

“Independence and Patriots” – Prof. Andrzej Romanowski

Full Professor at the Institute of History of the Polish Academy of Sciences, emeritus professor of the Jagiellonian University

“In Search of Solutions – Reports of the Group of Three” – Dr. Zbigniew Siemiątkowski

Institute of Political Science, University of Warsaw; government expert at the Round Table; former Minister of Internal Affairs; former head of UOP

“Before the Round Table: Positions of the Parties 1986–1989” – Prof. Andrzej Friszke

Institute of Political Science, Polish Academy of Sciences; corresponding member of the Academy

“The Truth about the Economy and Politics of Polish Transformation” – Prof. Grzegorz Kołodko

Member of Academia Europaea; Director of TIGER at Kozminski University; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (1994–97, 2002–03); participant of the Round Table

“Trade Union Pluralism: The Success of Realism” – Prof. Witold Maciej Coralski

Retired professor at the University of Warsaw, diplomat, attorney, participant of the Round Table

“Toward Information Order” – Editor Bogdan Jachacz

Co-founder of the Government Press Office, Head of the Press, Radio and Television Department of the Central Committee of the Polish United Workers’ Party, President of PAP, participant of the Round Table

“Testimony of a Witness” – Kazimierz Kłoda

Secretary of the Round Table

Closing Discussion

Organizers

Historical Commission of the Student Movement

Organizer

Polish Students’ Association

Organizer

Amicus Europae Foundation – Aleksander Kwaśniewski

Organizer

Independence Museum

Organizer

Mazowsze – Heart of Poland Team

Organizer

Diuna Group

Partner

Patrons

Media Patrons

Why is it worth being there?

Because this is not just history – it is a living experience shared by those who were there: politicians, scholars, witnesses, decision-makers. But it’s also a moment for us – the younger generation – not only to listen, but to ask questions, understand, and draw our own conclusions.

Two thematic panels, the presence of key figures from the systemic transformation, discussion sessions, and the chance to talk with participants of the 1989 events make this a conference that leaves no one indifferent.

And maybe right now, in times of division and unrest, we need to return to the table – to the same spirit of dialogue and the courage to truly hear another person.

Such meetings are not just recollections – they are inspiration for action.

Online Broadcast

The entire event will be broadcastlive