Polish Senate Hosts Ceremonial Conference Honouring the IYC2025 and the Centenary of CoopsDay

The Senate of the Republic of Poland welcomed representatives of the cooperative movement, policymakers, and experts for a ceremonial conference celebrating the United Nations-designated International Year of Cooperatives and the 100th anniversary of Coops Day in Poland. The event, held under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World”, was a powerful tribute to the enduring role cooperatives play in shaping inclusive, democratic, and sustainable societies.

The conference was opened by Senator Waldemar Witkowski, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Cooperatives, who emphasized the dual significance of the 2025 celebrations – honouring both the global recognition of cooperatives and a century of official cooperative observances in Poland. “Cooperatives have a long and rich tradition in our country, which continues to live on and inspire, especially younger generations”, he said.

Senate Speaker Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska echoed these sentiments, underscoring the contribution of cooperatives to civil society and national development. “The theme of this year’s celebrations – Cooperatives build a better world – is not just a slogan, but a real message. Cooperatives develop solidarity, support innovation, and teach entrepreneurship”, she said. The Speaker also noted that the Senate had adopted a resolution to promote cooperative values – including solidarity, democracy, equality, and social justice – and thanked Polish cooperative members for their vital contribution.

Cooperatives Europe President Giuseppe Guerini addressed participants via video message, highlighting the strength and relevance of the cooperative movement across the continent. “There are over 250,000 cooperatives in Europe, employing 5.4 million people”, he stated. “Cooperatives are a driving force for economic growth and positive social change”. Guerini extended his gratitude to Polish cooperatives for their commitment and for exemplifying the cooperative values that Europe urgently needs today.

The conference also served as an occasion to recognise outstanding individuals within the Polish cooperative movement. Marek Władysław Kędzierski, President of the Board of the “Społem” Consumer Cooperative in Wyszków, received the title of Polish Cooperative Leader 2025, while Cooperative Manager 2025 was awarded to Magdalena Zgondek, President of the Board of the “Społem” Consumer Cooperative in Głogów.

A strong academic and policy component enriched the event. Professor Wincenty Kulpa of the University of Rzeszów and Rzeszów University of Technology offered a historical overview of the cooperative movement’s evolution in Poland. Presentations from Mieczysław Grodzki, President of the National Cooperative Council, and Andrzej Półrolniczak, Chairman of the General Assembly of the National Council of the Judiciary, explored current opportunities and challenges facing cooperatives. In a forward-looking intervention, Senator Krzysztof Kwiatkowski announced the nearing completion of legislative work on a new law to support school savings banks – a measure designed to foster entrepreneurial thinking among youth.

The conference demonstrated not only the resilience and relevance of the Polish cooperative movement – particularly the continued strength of Euro Coop member “Społem” – but also served as a catalyst for future development grounded in solidarity, civic engagement, and shared prosperity.

As Euro Coop continues to mark the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 under the slogan Consumer Cooperatives: Building a Better World, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of our Polish member and the entire cooperative community in Poland. Their legacy and ongoing efforts are a clear testament to the transformative power of cooperation.