The Poland Security Congress, held on June 11–12 at the state-of-the-art ZEN.COM EXPO complex in Rzeszów-Jasionka, earned recognition as one of the most important nationwide events with a tangible impact on shaping the broad concept of security in Poland.
At KBP Rzeszów 2025, security was examined from every possible angle. The agenda covered a wide spectrum of critical issues: the defense industry, geopolitics, advanced technologies, cybersecurity, crisis management, the role of local governments, financing, legislation, uniformed services, energy security, communications, aviation, and numerous specialized topics. Together, these formed a comprehensive knowledge base for professionals working across the domains of security, cyber defense, and the broader defence sector.

The City of Rzeszów served as a co-host of the congress, reinforcing the event’s strong regional grounding. This partnership underscored the strategic importance of the region, which plays a key role in Poland’s security architecture and the development of advanced technologies.

The event brought together decision-makers from the security sector, representatives of central and local government, uniformed services, military leaders, technology experts, and members of the academic and business communities. For two days, they engaged in intensive debate on current threats and strategic directions for the development of Poland’s security system.
In an atmosphere of cooperation and responsibility, discussions focused on Poland’s role in Europe, societal resilience, the strength of state institutions, and the urgent need to build a united front in response to growing internal and external challenges.

The congress was inaugurated by its co-hosts: 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.
The first two sessions of the congress were held jointly with the Smart City Forum, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach to national security and the development of modern urban environments.

The opening debate, titled “Strategy for Security,” focused on Poland’s role on NATO’s eastern flank, the development strategy for the defense industry, and cybersecurity amid growing global tensions. The discussion emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing these challenges.

The second debate focused on the importance of cooperation between local authorities, uniformed services, and the military in responding to both military and non-military threats. Experts addressed issues such as food security, civilian protection, and the preparedness of collective shelter facilities. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of education and effective communication in countering disinformation and strengthening societal resilience.

The session titled “Technology in Security” provided a platform to address topics such as funding for cybersecurity projects, building technological sovereignty, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Participants discussed new regulations, investments in innovative systems, and the need to develop domestic solutions. Attention was drawn to the importance of autonomous cyber defense systems and the global potential of Polish technological expertise.

The session titled “Technology in Security” provided a platform to address topics such as funding for cybersecurity projects, building technological sovereignty, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Participants discussed new regulations, investments in innovative systems, and the need to develop domestic solutions. Attention was drawn to the importance of autonomous cyber defense systems and the global potential of Polish technological expertise.

During the “#Disinformation” session, experts focused on the threats posed by propaganda, influence operations, and false narratives used in modern conflicts. The discussion explored the psychological mechanisms behind disinformation and strategies for building societal resilience against deceptive messaging. Particular attention was given to the role of social media and the urgent need to strengthen the ICT sector in response to escalating hybrid threats.

The “DEFENCE HORIZON – Armaments Industry” sessions served as a key forum for exchanging views on the future of the defense sector and international cooperation. On the first day of the congress, discussions focused on Polish–U.S. defense collaboration, technology transfer, the importance of local manufacturing, and strategic offset agreements.

The following day featured debates on promoting Polish military equipment in foreign markets, building strategic partnerships, and adapting civilian technologies for defense purposes. The Defence Horizon initiative was met with strong approval and considerable interest from participants.

The second day began with a focus on services essential to national security. The debate centered on the protection of critical infrastructure, modernization of transport systems, and the development of technologies supporting security operations. Discussions also addressed the implementation of new regulations, such as the CER Directive, and investments in monitoring systems and unmanned technologies. The need to strengthen the resilience of strategic facilities was strongly emphasized.

During the “Banking Sector for Security Financing” session, participants analyzed the potential for creating dedicated funds and providing credit for defense-related projects. The discussion addressed legal barriers and highlighted examples of cooperation between the financial sector and public administration. Emphasis was placed on the critical role of stable financing in ensuring national security.

The “Transport and Energy” session addressed issues related to aviation sector security, the energy transition, and the stability of energy supply. Experts discussed the role of nuclear power, renewable energy sources, and digital safeguards for critical infrastructure. The need for investment in advanced technologies and protection systems was strongly emphasized.

The final session, titled “Guardians of Security – The Key Role of Uniformed Services in National Protection and Defense,” focused on the responsibilities of the military, police, and fire services. The debate addressed inter-agency cooperation, lessons learned from the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and the threat of terrorism. Participants also reflected on the potential role of compulsory military service in strengthening Poland’s defense capabilities.

A key highlight of the program was the closed session of the Civil Defense Workshops for Local Governments. The workshops were attended by representatives of Ukrainian cities, who shared invaluable experiences from the early days of the war and proven solutions in the field of crisis management.

As part of the Congress, a ceremonial Grand Gala was held. During this exceptional evening, the Diamond Shields awards were presented, honoring the most outstanding projects, initiatives, and individuals contributing to the strengthening of Poland’s security. A full list of award recipients is available at: www.bezpieczenstwopolskie.pl/laureaci.

Due to political developments in Warsaw, Deputy Prime Ministers Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Krzysztof Gawkowski were unable to attend the Congress in person or receive their Diamond Shields awards in the “Pioneers of Security” category. On the opening day, a letter from the Minister of National Defence was read aloud, in which he expressed his gratitude to the Competition Jury for this distinction. The award on behalf of the Minister for Digital Affairs was accepted by Undersecretary of State Rafał Rosiński. The statuette was presented by Mayor Konrad Fijołek and President Krzysztof Dyki, while the laudations highlighted both laureates’ contributions to the development of Poland’s defense and cybersecurity sectors.

The Poland Security Congress in Rzeszów stood as a testament to a mature and responsible dialogue on the future of national security amid rapidly shifting geopolitical realities.

Among the speakers were, among others:

  • Maciej Lasek, Sekretarz Stanu, Pełnomocnik Rządu do spraw Centralnego Portu Komunikacyjnego, Ministerstwo Infrastruktury
  • Miłosz Motyka, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Climate and Environment
  • Rafał Rosiński, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Digital Affairs
  • Major General Karol Molenda, Commander of the Cyberspace Defense Forces Component
  • Michał Szczerba, Member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy in the European Parliament
  • Konrad Fijołek, Mayor of the City of Rzeszów
  • Teresa Kubas-Hul, Voivode of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship
  • Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship
  • Andrzej Szewiński, Deputy Chair of the Sejm National Defense Committee
  • Adam Góral, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Podkarpackie Business Club, CEO of Asseco Poland
  • Agata Wojda, Mayor of the City of Kielce
  • Cezary Stypułkowski, CEO, Bank Pekao
  • Radosław Maćkiewicz, Director, Central Center for Informatics
  • Krzysztof Dyki, CEO, ComCERT
  • Wasyl Bodnar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Poland
  • Brig. Gen. Dr. Artur Kuptel, Head of the Armament Agency
  • Paweł Poncyliusz, CEO, Polska Amunicja

Strategic Main Partner: ASSECO

Strategic Partners: Bank Pekao SA, Limitless Technologies
Partners: ATOS, APATOR, ComCERT, Medyk Medical Center, DELL Technologies, ENGAVE, EY, Inżynieria Rzeszów, Mercedes D&R Czach, NETIA, Orange, Polish Development Fund, PKO Bank Polski, PLUS, PODKARPACKIE, RBL Defence, HTEAM, ABAK, PROFESCAPITAL, ZEN.COM

Sponsor: Central Communication Port

Exhibitors: SOHBI, HORPOL

Multimedia Partner: m-sound

Logistics Partner: mmc events

Technology Partner: GRIDALY

Translation Partner: BIRETA

Co-host City: Rzeszów

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