The practical aspects of historical diplomacy and the experience of Polish diplomats working abroad were discussed during the panel “Historical Diplomacy – Behind the Scenes”, held as part of the Congress of National Remembrance on 21 September 2026..
The discussion was moderated by Eliza Dzwonkiewicz, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Lviv from 2019 to 2024. The panel featured Prof. Arkady Rzegocki, Jagiellonian University Professor, Ambassador of Poland to the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2021 and to Ireland from 2023 to 2024; Rafał Siemianowski, Ambassador of Poland to Belgium from 2021 to 2024 and currently Director of the Centre for the Development of Polish Education Abroad; Dariusz Pawłoś, Ambassador of Poland to Germany from 2022 to 2024; and Radosław Gruk, Ambassador of Poland to Uzbekistan from 2021 to 2024, previously Consul General of Poland in Almaty and currently an Adviser to the President of the Republic of Poland.
Drawing on their experience of diplomatic service, the participants discussed the role of historical diplomacy, its practical implementation and the involvement of academic, cultural and civic communities in activities related to Poland’s history and international relations.
The discussion also focused on public diplomacy and the use of soft power, including the promotion of Polish history and culture, the Polish language, science, innovation and education. The participants considered how these areas can contribute to developing relations with foreign institutions, organisations and societies.
Another topic was presenting Polish history in its international context, including links between the historical experiences of Poland and other countries and nations. The participants also discussed the role of Polish scholars, artists, politicians and other figures whose achievements have an international dimension.
The debate addressed the contribution of civil society and the Polish diaspora to disseminating knowledge about Poland’s historical heritage and developing international networks of cooperation. The participants also referred to the experience of other countries and to cooperation between professional diplomacy, public institutions and non-governmental organisations in presenting Polish history abroad.