News

„It is not likely to run a reasonable policy without scenarios. Decisions have to be taken basing on the studies and people who are able to feel the changes. Politics must not be unrealistic towards the world, that is changing." - kicked off Schwartz.

Might a military conflict be the consequence of the economic crisis? "I think it might not. We don't have soldiers and fighting skills. We don't have the war culture. We are threatened with chaos and disorder, but not the war." - said Schwartz.

The Minister Boni emphasized that: „...we need a new European contract. Will Europe bring itself to do this? If so, it will be the step forth, if not - as it is in the song: one step forth, two steps back." - he said.

According to Schwartz „The largest challenge to be met by Poland and Europe is integration of diversity. In the times of drop in the birth rate and increasing number of inflow of immigrants from the countries of totally different cultures, we will have to learn to live together. In the US we have managed to do that." In addition, he indicated a bulk demographic paradox of the XXI century: the longer we live, the less children we have.

Henryka Bochniarz asked about the role of women in 20 years. "Women are the future of the world. In the United States the majority of law and medical university graduates are women. Today, they set up businesses, they climb up the career ladder in the army and other areas reserved for the men in the past. The new world is a world of women. They will form it and act as leaders." - said the American futurist.

The conversation between H. de Soto and J. Lewandowski focused on the inquiries: do revolutions and riots in Northern African countries mean an introduction to reach for the place at the table of the abundant world? How should the harmonious cooperation of the wealthy and poor countries look like?

De Soto called the Western world for understanding of the social structure of the developing countries. As there are plentiful of small businesses among them, including, for instance, street traders, who are banned from business by the law and ruling elites. Business and the economic situation of such countries may not be recognized using European criteria, whilst we have to try to comprehend local interdependences in a practical manner. Such an approach enables to hit target groups, which really needs assistance and not elites, which often represent the regime. If small businesses were given a development opportunity in their homeland, they would not emigrate to welfare states.

Janusz Lewandowski persuaded that Europe attempts to support democratic processes, yet from the EU perspective it is necessary to indicate an example of the country, which shows that the democracy is also beneficial in terms of the economy. Particularly considering the fact that Europe and its lifestyle are becoming the reference point for e.g. Arab states.