On Monday, 20 April, a conference “National Memory Institutions in the V4 Countries” was held at the Czech Parliament. The event took place under the auspices of Dr Pavel Žáček, Member of Parliament and former founder and Director of the Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes (Ústav pro studium totalitních režimů). The conference focused on the activities and roles of national memory institutions in the countries of the Visegrád Group.

During the Polish panel, presentations were delivered by Dr Karol Polejowski, Deputy President of the Institute of National Remembrance, Dr Jan Szumski, from the IPN Historical Research Office, and Kamil Szkaradek, representing the IPN National Education Office.

Dr Polejowski outlined the structure, mission, and key areas of activity of the Institute of National Remembrance, providing an overview of the principal responsibilities of its various substantive divisions. His presentation was preceded by a short film introducing the Institute’s work, and concluded with a production summarising the educational and commemorative “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” project.

Dr Szumski presented the work of the Historical Research Office. The Polish panel concluded with a presentation by Kamil Szkaradek, who highlighted the main educational initiatives and achievements of the IPN National Education Office.

Following the panels from all participating countries, the conference was formally summarised by Dr Pavel Žáček.

The recording of the conference