Security and civil defense, the fight against disinformation and expectations of the younger generation – these were the topics discussed at the conference entitled “Young, aware, safe! Youth in the national security system – awareness, responsibility, resilience.” It was organized by the GROM Foundation. Strength and Honor and Faculty of Political Science and International Studies of the Univeristy of Warsaw. Łukasiewicz Research Network was a partner in the project.
PhD Hubert Cichocki, President of the Łukasiewicz Centre took part in a discussion on topics including civic education, social responsibility and the role of business in the security system, areas where data-driven solutions, technology and systemic resilience are increasingly needed. The President pointed to the link between security and innovation and domestic manufacturing:
“State security is increasingly based on technology, and this means that innovation today is not an add-on, but a condition for effectiveness. Spending and programs implemented in defense can act as a gas pedal for the development of the entire economy. Demand for cutting-edge solutions forces R&D work, builds engineering competence and accelerates the emergence of technologies that later find applications in civilian sectors as well. If we want to be socially, infrastructurally and digitally resilient, we must consistently combine security with investment in research and deployment.”
He also stressed that in terms of security, technological cooperation mechanisms are as important as purchases:
“In the area of defense and security, it is the state that is in practice the key customer, which is why public procurement has a unique power. Well-designed procurements, based on required functionality and technical dialogue, can not only provide better equipment, but also build national competencies, supply chains and new business lines. The crux from an economic point of view is simple: where possible, we should replace part of our imports with production in Poland, so that the funds from contracts strengthen Polish companies, create jobs and leverage domestic intellectual property.”
The conference program was built around four thematic axes: from security culture and expectations of the younger generation, to combating disinformation, to civil protection and civil defense and crisis management. At the end, participants were able to take part in practical workshops (including recognition of manipulation and cyber threats, evacuation backpack, first aid, “First Rescuer”, Academic Legion), which closed the conference with a “knowledge + skills” formula.
The event was held under the honorary patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and the Mazovian Voivodeship Government as a partner of the event.
The conference was held on May 25, 2026 at the University of Warsaw Library.