'Awakening' - G2 Forum in Wroclaw 2025. On the resilience of the state and society in the face of new threats.
One of the most important events in Poland dedicated to geopolitics, the economy, security and innovation - the G2 Forum - is behind us. This year's event was held under the motto "Awakening", being a symbolic and analytical response to the changing balance of power in the European and international arena. It is also a call for lessons to be learned and action to be taken - both in the security sphere and in every area of public and social life.
The debates and panels were attended by representatives of the political, business, academic and expert communities from Poland and abroad. Among the invited guests were also representatives of the University College of Professional Education - members Security Advisory Group: Gen. Dr. Jarosław Kaleta, Gen. Paweł Dzierżak, Gen. Artur Bielecki, Gen. Michał Otrębski and Programme Director of the Institute of Internal Security and Criminology Dr. Rafał Guzowski.
Expert panel: Hybrid warfare - how to prevent and immunize society, local governments and business
One of the highlights of the programme was a panel on hybrid warfare and the dangers of actions below the threshold of war - such as disinformation, cyber attacks, economic pressure or manipulation of public perception of threat. Panellists included inter alia. Dr Rafał Guzowski, Programme Director of Direction Homeland Security and Criminology WSKZ and Lieutenant General Jarosław Kaleta, MD, an expert in security and crisis management.
Experts unanimously stressed that hybrid warfare is not a distant prospect, but a reality that is already destabilising societies and state structures. "Hybrid warfare is a war waged not with weapons but with information. Today the shot is not a bullet but a manipulated headline." - emphasised Dr Rafał Guzowski.
According to the speakers, a key element in countering hybrid warfare is social resilienceand therefore the ability of citizens, institutions and businesses to recognise, respond to and work together to neutralise threats."It is not enough that the services know how the adversary operates. It is equally important that the citizen is able to recognise manipulation and that local authorities are not defenceless against organised disinformation campaigns. We need to realise that resilience is not a luxury, but a necessity. Local government, schools, local media - all must be part of a system that not only reacts, but prevents in the first place." - Dr Jarosław Kaleta noted.
Resilience as a system
During the panel discussion, experts highlighted the need to create systemic solutions based on three pillars:
- Civic and media education,
- Advanced technological tools for detecting threats,
- Cooperation between administration, business and academia.
It is the synergy of these areas - in Dr Kaleta's view - that can realistically increase state resilience and counter the effects of hybrid warfare.
The G2 Forum - a space for responsible dialogue
The Wrocław G2 Forum not only sets directions for strategic thinking, but also integrates communities that rarely have the opportunity to meet at the same table: representatives of the armed forces, universities, local authorities and the private sector. The participation of experts from the College of Vocational Training proves that the university can - and should - take an active role in shaping security policies and strategic education."Security in the 21st century is no longer just about the military and the services. It's also students, businesses, civil servants, local media. We need to think of resilience as a shared responsibility." - Dr Jarosław Kaleta added.
Awakening - not just a slogan
The slogan of this year's Forum - 'Awakening' - proved to be not just a symbolic motto, but a real challenge. The G2 Forum, which took place on 12 June 2025, showed that the Awareness of risks is growing steadily, but readiness to act should grow even more rapidly. It is from such an awakening - full of reflection and decisions - that a resilient future is born.
