People from countries engulfed by war, political, religious and climate crises are arriving in Europe.
Thousands of people are stranded at the Polish–Belarusian border.
Representatives of NGOs, universities and local authorities are facing an enormous challenge.
Acts of solidarity and community support are very important, but what is needed is fast and real help.
In Poland, where laying an empty place at the Christmas Eve table is a centuries-old tradition, will understanding prevail over fear, prejudice and political divisions?
How is Wrocław – a city of dialogue and a meeting place – responding to this crisis?
👉 Taking part in the debate:
Bartłomiej Świerczewski, Director of the Social Affairs Department at Wrocław City Hall. The City of Wrocław has joined Grupa Granica’s “Be There for Others” campaign.
Robert Drogoś, President of the “Tratwa” Disaster and Natural Catastrophe Centre Association, who organises the relief base near the border in cooperation with organisations including Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) and Grupa Granica.
Agata Ferenc, President of the PERYFERIA Intercultural Solidarity Centre foundation, representing the Wrocław Welcomes Refugees Coalition and Johanneum Novum, which supports intercultural dialogue in Wrocław’s schools and nurseries. She works in the Ocalenie Foundation team operating on the Polish–Belarusian border.
Dr Michał Wanke, a lecturer at the University of Opole who, together with other university staff and after a difficult rescue operation, brought 16 people – former students of the University – from Afghanistan to Opole.
Bartek Tomczyński, a motivational speaker, lecturer, trainer and social activist. A university chaplain and enthusiast of cultural activities. He initiates development projects and conferences that inspire young people to live with passion, and is the author of training programmes that develop leadership skills. Founder of the “Kierunek” church in Wrocław, a minister and pastor of the Pentecostal Church, and programme director of the School of Biblical Discipleship.
Moderator: Małgorzata Waszkiewicz, a journalist with TOK FM radio.
The Civic Dialogue Centre is run by the Lower Silesian Federation of NGOs as part of the project “Centrum na Przedmieściu – pilotaż” (Centre in the Suburb – Pilot), co-financed by Wrocław Municipality.
