The National Future Congress in Łódź Comes to a Close

The second and final day of the National Future Congress has come to an end. The Sports Bay of the Lodz University of Technology became a space for meetings, inspiration, and the exchange of ideas. Once again — this time in Łódź — we made history bring generations together. The Congress attracted nearly 5,000 visitors and was held under the Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki.

Honored by the Presence of President Karol Nawrocki

The President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, honored the National Future Congress in Łódź with his presence. This marks the first IPN Congress attended by the Head of State.

The Establishment of the Youth Council at the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland

At 11:00 a.m., the Youth Council was officially established in the presence of the President. In his address, President Nawrocki said:

“We have wonderful young people in Poland. I see it not only by working with you and knowing you personally, but also through the many analyses, surveys, and studies which clearly show that Polish youth are well educated, perfectly adapted to the 21st century. They are ready to build their careers — in Poland, in Europe, and across the world.
I ask you to have faith in our beloved Republic, in our Poland, and in the belief that Poland must always be strong, great, and ambitious. Please, never lose sight of that — and remind me as well, as the President of Poland, that this is how we must remain for the next five years: confident, ambitious, and determined to achieve our goals — and, when needed, to change the reality that surrounds us. We can do it — and we will.”

The President went on to refer to the Congress motto “History Speaks Through Generations,” explaining that it represents the idea of building the strength of society through intergenerational dialogue. Different generations have the opportunity to share experiences from the past while also discussing and interpreting the present.

A Youth Debate with President Karol Nawrocki

Young participants of the Congress had a unique opportunity to ask President Nawrocki their own questions. The discussion covered topics such as patriotism, love for one’s homeland, learning history through new technologies, and the forms and goals of modern historical education.

In his responses, the President emphasized that patriotism does not change with time — it has always been, and remains, a form of love for one’s country:

“Patriotism has always been the same, for centuries. It doesn’t change. Patriotism is simply love for the Homeland, for the national community, for the nation — and for the values that stand behind it.”

When asked whether games can convey complex historical issues and express the spirit of patriotism, the President replied briefly: yes — if responsible people and responsible institutions stand behind the technology. He also emphasized the importance of modern historical education, noting the need to find new forms of reaching young audiences with meaningful and valuable historical messages, including through new technologies.

Referring to the New Technology Division of the IPN, the President added:

“Today I can speak not only about theories and ideas, but about facts — about how knowledge and historical awareness can be built through new technologies.”

Another question concerned how to stay open to other cultures while remaining true to one’s national identity. President Nawrocki responded succinctly: “One does not exclude the other.”
He then elaborated, stressing that to be a global citizen, one does not need to abandon national values — instead, one should nurture loyalty to one’s country and culture. He concluded by saying that the world respects patriotism.

President Karol Nawrocki Visits the New Technology Zone

President Nawrocki also visited the New Technology Zone, where he took time for brief conversations, photos, and encouraged visitors to experience the immersive short film “Testimony of Help” (Świadectwo poMOCY).
His visit to the Zone — as both the President of Poland and the President of the Institute of National Remembrance, who founded the New Technology Division — symbolically underscored his appreciation for the Division’s work and reaffirmed the importance of the Institute’s educational mission.

[Watch the short film “Testimony of Help” recommended by President Nawrocki]

Exceptional Exhibitions Prepared by the Institute of National Remembrance

Among the featured exhibitions was “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” — a traveling exhibition that has been shown in over 50 countries across several continents, reaching approximately one million viewers. Thanks to this initiative, the story of Polish heroes continues to resonate around the globe — and on October 15–16, it spoke once more, this time in Łódź.

Other exhibitions included:

• “Children of Przemysłowa” – The German Camp in Łódź (1942–1945),
• “City of Ruins – City of Hope: Gdańsk Destroyed, Gdańsk Reborn”, and
• “From Four Cultures to Monoculture: A Timeline of Łódź, 1939–1989.”

These exhibitions featured photographs, replicas, 3D models, interviews with witnesses of history, and archival materials. Each display was designed to provide visitors of all ages with knowledge, inspiration, and emotional insight into the events presented.

A New Way of Presenting the IPN’s Mission

The National Future Congress continues the IPN’s long-term initiative to present its educational mission in a modern format.
During the Congress, we showcased the history of 20th-century Poland, taking participants on a fascinating journey through the decades. By combining traditional learning methods with cutting-edge technologies, we brought key historical moments to life.

Events for Youth, Adults, and Seniors

Educational theatre, workshops for students and teachers, discussion panels, board, outdoor and digital games, award galas, film screenings, lectures, and contests — the National Future Congress offered all this and more over just two days.
There was room for reflection, fun, and thought — but none for boredom. The Institute of National Remembrance ensured an engaging and inspiring experience for everyone.

The Fifth Congress Organized by the Institute of National Remembrance Concludes

We would like to thank all guests who attended the National Future Congress in Łódź, and express our gratitude to President Karol Nawrocki for honoring the New Technology Zone with his presence.
We invite everyone to follow our future activities — and to join us at the next IPN Congress.