On September 17, a new edition of the event “Ready for the Future: our new world” will take place. Leading Polish experts and practitioners will show how to wisely accompany young people in a reality full of digital opportunities and pitfalls.
The ubiquity of smartphones in young people’s lives has become a hot topic of public debate. Unfortunately, these discussions often fall into extremes – from panic and the desire to introduce total bans to uncritical fascination with new developments. This dispute only deepens the frustration of adults, without giving them real tools for action.
In response, the “Equal Opportunities” program proposes a revolutionary but pragmatic approach: abandoning the artificial division between the online and offline worlds and focusing on the key role of adults. The idea is that instead of controlling and prohibiting, adults should wisely accompany young people, helping them to become conscious and responsible users of technology, rather than just passive recipients.
“Adults are not fighting technology, but their own helplessness. Instead of declaring war on smartphones, we should build relationships and experiences with young people that are so fascinating that the phone will end up in their pockets on its own,” says Paweł Walecki, Director of the “Equal Opportunities” program. “But that’s not all. It is equally important to give them and ourselves the tools to navigate a world full of pitfalls. During our event, we will show both sides of the coin: how to get the best out of technology and how to protect young people from its real dangers,” he adds.
From helplessness to agency: The new role of adults
The event completely changes the perspective – instead of asking “how to limit access to technology?”, experts will show how to build a world in which young people themselves will want to put their phones away. At the same time, they will equip adults with the knowledge of how to talk about hate, misinformation, and screen addiction.
“Many adults feel that they are losing the battle for young people’s attention. That is why they resort to the simplest tools – control and prohibitions. We want to show that this is a dead end. Instead, we propose a change of strategy: from fighting for control to building trust and real skills. It is a more difficult path, but it is the only one that offers the chance for lasting change and prepares young people for a world where adults will not always be there to support them,” explains Kuba Dziok from the “Equal Opportunities” Team.
Who is this event for?
The initiative is primarily addressed to adults who work with young people on a daily basis: employees of cultural centers and libraries, NGO activists, members of Rural Women’s Clubs and Volunteer Fire Brigades, as well as teachers, parents, and anyone who wants to better understand and support young people.
Six blocks that will change your approach to technology
The program of the event has been designed as a journey that will take participants from diagnosis to specific solutions.
We will start with a broad perspective to understand how our new, integrated reality works (“One world, common rules”). Then, step by step, experts will address key challenges: from building authentic relationships in a world full of distractions (“How to talk so that you are heard?”), through shaping healthy habits and critical thinking (“How to live with your phone, not in your phone?”), to the wise use of technology in education.
We will devote a separate block to the proven method of the Equal Opportunities program (“The art of wise accompaniment”), and finally, together with the experts, we will consider what specific steps we can take the very next day.
Each element of the program has been designed to provide practical tools and strategies for immediate implementation.
Key experts
Speakers will include:
- Prof. Michał Krzykawski – a philosopher researching the impact of technology on culture, who will show how deeply the digital revolution has changed our society,
- Dr. Aleksandra Piotrowska – a renowned child psychologist who will explain how to build healthy relationships in a world of constant digital distractions,
- Patryk Zakrzewski – a fact-checking expert from the Demagog Association, who will present practical tools for defending against disinformation,
- Angelika Fredrich – a young activist and founder of Nastoletni Azyl (Teenage Asylum), who will bring an authentic perspective of the younger generation,
- Adam Mirek – a doctor of biomedical engineering and a respected science popularizer, who will show how to wisely use the potential of the internet in education.
As in previous editions, the event will be hosted by Janusz Schwertner, a journalist for the Goniec.pl portal known for his uncompromising interviews, whose articles have made the mental health of young people a topic of national discussion in Poland.
Practical information
- WHEN? September 17, 2025 (Wednesday), 6:00 p.m.
- WHERE? The live broadcast will take place on the Facebook fanpage of the “Equal Opportunities” program. The event will also be broadcast on the Goniec.pl portal.
- COST? Participation is completely free of charge.
- REGISTRATION AND E-BOOK: Register at www.gotowinaprzyszlosc.pl to receive a reminder about the start of the event and download a free e-book right away.
About the “Equal Opportunities” program
The program, implemented by the Civis Polonus Foundation, supports young people in developing social and emotional skills that will help them better cope with adult life. The program offers grants to organizations working with young people and training for youth project coordinators.
Media contact:
Kuba Dziok, Marketing Manager, the “Equal Opportunities” program