On June 11–12, 2025, the 20th anniversary edition of the Smart City Forum was held at ZEN.COM EXPO in Rzeszów-Jasionka, organized in parallel with the Poland Security Congress.
The City of Rzeszów co-hosted the event, giving it not only a unique setting but also a strong regional foundation—reflecting the Podkarpackie region’s strategic role in national security and the development of advanced technologies in Poland.
The forum gathered hundreds of experts, local government officials, representatives of national administration, and business leaders who jointly explored the future of smart cities and national security. The event opened with a joint inaugural panel that brought together Smart City Forum and the Poland Security Congress, after which participants continued discussions in the dedicated Smart City Forum space.
The symbolic and high-level opening featured Konrad Fijołek, Mayor of Rzeszów and Co-Chair of the KBP Programme Council; Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship; and Adam Góral, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Podkarpackie Business Club and CEO of Asseco Poland. Their speeches launched a debate on the role of local governments, business, and administration in building modern urban structures and strengthening national security.
A letter from Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of National Defence, and remarks delivered on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski by Undersecretary of State Rafał Rosiński further underscored Poland’s ambitious digital and defense transformation plans.
Maciej Bluj, Chairman of the Programme Council and smart city expert, opened the thematic track by highlighting the growing role of technology in urban development.
Designing Cities for Residents
The first thematic block focused on inclusive, resident-friendly spaces where technology supports mental and physical well-being. Discussions addressed the digital transformation of public services and the ethical dimension of urban solutions, emphasizing human-centric design and the role of citizens in the era of Technology 4.0.
Urbantech – Tools for Urban Evolution
This block explored the use of technologies such as digital twins, AI, cloud platforms, and private 5G networks in city management. Experts stressed the importance of UrbanLabs and public engagement to foster trust and improve quality of life.
Local Governments in Readiness
The “Readiness” session addressed cooperation between local authorities and emergency services, development of regional crisis response systems, and the creation of shared cybersecurity platforms. The session also emphasized the role of citizens and technology in urban monitoring and safety.
Smart City Awards Gala
The first day concluded with the Smart City Awards Gala, celebrating the most innovative projects and leaders in the smart city sector.
Day Two: Resilience and Transformation
Day two opened with remarks by Jacek Karnowski, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, who praised the strategic integration of the Smart City Forum with the Poland Security Congress, highlighting the interdependence between urban development and national security.
The New Era of Urban Energy
This session covered the modernization of urban energy systems and the development of renewables, including microgrids, energy storage, and public–private partnerships. Experts emphasized that digitizing the energy sector is key to achieving climate goals and energy independence.
Data as Currency
Discussions focused on data quality, integration, and privacy, as well as the potential for data monetization. Technologies like blockchain were highlighted as tools to build trust in digital public services.
The Resilient City
This block linked security with climate adaptation and urban planning. Participants explored smart monitoring, sensor networks, and regenerative cities, stressing the need for systemic urban resilience strategies.
Closed Session: Civil Defense Workshops
A vital component was the closed Civil Defense Workshops, which brought together local government representatives from Poland and Ukraine. Ukrainian officials shared first-hand experiences from the early days of the war, including best practices in crisis management, municipal service continuity, and citizen protection. The session became a platform for cross-border knowledge exchange.
Emission-Free Mobility
This session addressed zero-emission transport, e-mobility, traffic management, and integrated payment solutions. Experts agreed: the future of urban mobility is data-driven and environmentally sustainable.
Smart Management
The final block focused on practical models of smart governance, standardization of urban systems, and the role of leadership in digital transformation. Participants stressed the importance of interoperability and continuity in urban innovation strategies.
Summary
The 20th edition of the Smart City Forum proved that Polish cities are boldly embracing challenges related to digitalization, sustainability, and security. The forum served as a critical platform for experience-sharing and strategic inspiration, setting the course for intelligent urban development in the years to come.
Selected Speakers Included:
- Jacek Karnowski, Secretary of State, Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy
- Konrad Fijołek, Mayor of the City of Rzeszów
- Agata Wojda, Mayor of the City of Kielce
- Aldona Machnowska-Góra, Deputy Mayor of Warsaw
- Maciej Kupaj, Mayor of Legnica
- Robert Szewczyk, Mayor of Olsztyn
- Robert Szewczyk, Mayor of Olsztyn
- Sabina Nowosielska, Mayor of Kędzierzyn-Koźle
- Maciej Gramatyka, Mayor of Tychy
- Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim, Mayor of Sopot
- Tomasz Miśko, Deputy Mayor of Stalowa Wola
- Piotr Przytocki, Mayor of Krosno
- Anna Brzezińska, Member of the Board, Mazowieckie Voivodeship Marshal’s Office
- Dr. Eng. Anna Bober, Deputy Chief National Surveyor Deputy Chief National SurveyorGeodety Kraju
Partners
Strategic Partners: Polish Cashless Foundation, PLAY, Visa
Partners: ATOS, EMKA, Esri Polska, Grupa Grand, PIKUM, Sprint, Steady Energy, SUEZ, T-Mobile, TeleKTG, HTEAM, ABAK, PROFESCAPITAL
Multimedia Partner: m-sound
Logistics Partner: mmc events
Technology Partner: Gridaly
Translation Partner: Bireta
The congress is organized as part of MMC Polska’s activities, which include prestigious congresses, conferences, workshops, and business training sessions dedicated to managerial staff and company executives.
More at: www.mmcpolska.pl