2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane: What Will We Discuss?
During the 2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane (7–8 December 2026), more than 1,000 representatives of local and regional authorities, academia,…
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About the Forum
The 2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane is the largest and most important local and regional government event in Poland this autumn. It brings together leaders of local and regional authorities, academia, business, public administration, politics, the media and non-governmental organisations.
This year's Forum focuses on new challenges and the most pressing issues facing local and regional government leaders. These include investment, education funding, healthcare and sports, the energy transition, spatial planning, enhancing the investment and tourism appeal of regions, and public safety.
The Forum provides a platform for dialogue, the exchange of experiences, the development of joint solutions and the establishment of new partnerships.
News
Awards of the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities
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Local Transport Exclusion – a Social or Infrastructure Problem?
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Roads, Railways, Airports – How to Build the Transport System of the Future?
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Record-Breaking Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane – over 1,000 guests discuss new challenges for local governments
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Resilient Transportation and Infrastructure as Drivers of Regional Integration and Development
On the first day of the Local Government Forum in Zakopane, a panel discussion was held on the challenges facing resilient transportation and infrastructure.…
Who Is Responsible for the Hospital? A Debate on the Future of Polish Hospital Care
During the panel “Who Is Responsible for the Hospital? Various Founding Bodies and Their Impact on the Functioning of the Healthcare System,” held as…
What Cohesion Policy After 2027? The Perspective of Local Governments
During the discussion moderated by Adam Wyszyński – owner of PKB24, participants addressed key questions regarding the future of EU funds, the role of…
Brussels, Washington, Beijing – Geostrategic Conditions for Poland (Part I)
On 25 November 2025, during the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane, a debate titled “Brussels, Washington, Beijing – Geostrategic Conditions for…
Brussels, Washington, Beijing – Geostrategic Conditions for Poland (Part II)
As part of the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities held on 25–26 November in Zakopane, a panel discussion titled “Brussels, Washington, Beijing –…
Financing Healthcare at the Local Level
The growing debt of hospitals, lack of financial stability, and tensions surrounding the remuneration of medical personnel are problems that have dominated public debate…
Małopolska – European Entrepreneurial Region
Małopolska is the only region in Europe to have twice received the title of European Entrepreneurial Region – first in 2016 and then again…
Health Security in the Hands of Local Authorities – Cooperation, Planning, Crisis Management
Are local authorities and institutions ready to meet the challenges of health security—from everyday access to services, through epidemiological crises, to military situations and…
Continuity of Operation of Critical Infrastructure for Local Governments
Risk management and business continuity – in the context of strategic essential service providers and critical infrastructure management – are very often discussed one-dimensionally,…
Energy Cooperatives as a Tool for Municipal Transformation
During the panel “Energy Cooperatives as a Tool for the Municipality’s Energy Transition”, we discussed whether and how local communities can realistically build energy…
Conversation with Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence
On the second day of the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane, a conversation was held with Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister…
Local Law and a Global Phenomenon: Local Governments Facing Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rental has become a fully fledged segment of the accommodation market in Poland, developing its own operational models, technologies, and service chains. However,…
From Paper to the Cloud: How to Digitize Healthcare in Poland
Will patients be able to manage their health as easily as they manage their finances through online banking? The tools include: online registration, IKP,…
Safety and Resilience of Local Communities
During the Local Government Forum in Zakopane, an interesting discussion panel took place entitled: “Safety and Resilience of Local Communities.” The panel featured the…
Energy Transformation – a great idea, a weak narrative? – In conversation with Miłosz Motyka, Minister of Energy
A year before the parliamentary elections, the Ministry of Energy must reconcile the need to accelerate strategic investments with rising fuel prices and a…
Cultural Routes and Business and Tourism, Part I
The use of cultural routes provides an extremely attractive foundation for developing tourism strategies for regions. Local cultural heritage—when properly showcased, promoted, and supported…
Two-Term Limits in Local Government – a Guarantee of Freshness or a Threat to Continuity?
During the Local Government Forum in Zakopane, a panel discussion titled “Two-term limits in local government – a guarantee of freshness or a threat…
Business, Culture and Development
During the Local Government Forum in Zakopane, an interesting discussion panel took place entitled: “Business, Culture and Development.” The panel featured the following participants:…
Sports Tourism as an Opportunity for Development
Sports tourism is a dynamically growing market segment that can become an important driver of development for regions and local communities. Do investments in…
Why participate?
The Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane, held for the second time on 7–8 December 2026, is a response to the steadily growing interest in the European Congress of Local Governments in MikołajkiWebsite→.
Recognising the need for dialogue on the current challenges facing local and regional authorities, the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies, together with the Małopolska Region, has taken the initiative to jointly organise a conference that will provide a platform for exchanging experiences and discussing the most pressing challenges facing regions.
Local Government Leaders
An opportunity to meet a wide range of local and regional government representatives at all levels.
Discussions
Participation in inspiring discussions and engaging presentations.
Networking
An opportunity to establish valuable professional connections.
Culture
A rich programme of cultural and social events.
Programme tracks
The 2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane will take place on 7–8 December 2026 at the Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa (21 Balzera Street, Zakopane).
Politics and Security
Economy and Finance
Investment and Management
Regional Development
Society and Health
Local Government for All
Tourism Industry Forum
The planned topics will include public services and local government investments, the security and resilience of local communities, urban and regional development, transport exclusion affecting residents of small and medium-sized towns, the energy transition, and the future of tourism.
The Forum will also feature a rich cultural programme, including book presentations and meetings with authors, concerts and exhibitions.
Programme outline
Day 1 • 7 December
from 2:00 PM- Panel discussions across 7 thematic tracks, talks and presentations
- Special discussions and meet-the-author sessions
- Recreational activities in the heart of the Podhale region
- Gala dinner
Day 2 • 8 December
until 10:00 PM- Panel discussions across 7 thematic tracks, talks and presentations
- "Ordinary People – Extraordinary Stories" discussions
- Special discussions and meet-the-author sessions
- Recreational activities in the heart of the Podhale region
- Awards ceremony and concert
The 2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities by the Numbers
The 2nd Forum of Local and Regional Authorities will take place on December 7–8, 2026 in Zakopane, and will be one of the most important local government events of the fall in Poland. Leaders of local government, representatives of the state administration, the business, academic, and cultural communities, nongovernmental organizations, and the media will gather in the capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains.
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Participants
FORUM OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES 2025
Video Coverage by Our Media Partners
5 videosSee how our media partners covered the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane. Select a video from the list to watch it in the main player.
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Bobowa24.pl – Rafał Kukla and Małgorzata Małuch Honoured with Awards at the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane
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