Category: Events

26 Jul 2025
“A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” – a vernissage that moved hearts

There were stones. There was music. There was motion – and stillness.

 

The last Saturday of July brought more than just an art event. The vernissage of the exhibition “A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” by Kseniia Zhizhiy and Michał Szpak, organized by Leopolis for Future, became an extraordinary meeting of art, emotion, and community.

 

Held in the exhibition spaces of the City Culture Institute in Gdańsk, the event gathered many guests – friends of the Foundation, artists, partners, and a large group of Leopolis for Future Alumni Club members. The evening was a celebration of creativity and dialogue that transcended borders and languages.

Kseniia Zhizhiy, a sculptor from Lviv, presented ceramic forms created from, among other materials, chamotte clay sourced from the Donbas region. Her works speak of loss, sorrow, longing for home, but also of resilience and the hope of rebuilding. Filled with emotion, substance, and silence – they invite reflection on the power of the individual and community in the face of historical turmoil.

Michał Szpak, a visual artist from the Tricity area, presented a series of works based on line, rhythm, and contemplation. His art is a metaphysical journey into the depths of human experience – between movement and stillness, between reality and imagination.

The exhibition was not only a meeting of two artistic voices, but also a manifestation of Polish-Ukrainian friendship. In times of uncertainty and challenge, art – as was reminded during the evening – becomes a bridge that connects people, cultures, and values.

During the evening, we also hosted a charity auction titled “Wings of Solidarity”, aimed at raising funds for the development of initiatives by the Leopolis for Future Alumni Club – including the support of projects created and led by its members.

 

A single, exceptional artwork was auctioned: the diptych “Wings of Solidarity” by Małgorzata Waluszewska.

 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Artist for this moving gesture of solidarity and trust.

“A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” is a story of identity, transformation, and hope. It is also a reminder that the future – like art – does not emerge in silence. It is born through dialogue, openness, and movement.

 

We warmly thank the City Culture Institute in Gdańsk for their generous hospitality and for providing the exhibition space. It is thanks to you that this evening took place in such a special atmosphere.

 

We also thank all the guests for their presence and the emotions that made the evening truly unforgettable.

25 Jul 2025
One month in: interns & mentors meeting

After a month full of intense professional experiences, it was time for reflection, meaningful exchange – and a healthy dose of inspiration. At the invitation of Autopay S.A., we gathered at their Sopot office to reflect together on the first weeks of the Leopolis for Future internship program.

 

The seminar brought together 15 interns representing fields such as law, IT, medicine, economics, accounting, and political science.

 

Together with their mentors, they shared early successes, surprises, and the lessons already learned.

 

Here are some of the key takeaways that resonated during the meeting:

 

  • Crises at work are just tasks to complete. Treat them as opportunities, not catastrophes.

 

  • LinkedIn is your visa to the professional world. Don’t be afraid to build your presence.

 

  • Don’t be afraid to knock – even on closed doors. Sometimes a “no” is the beginning of a “yes.

 

  • Communicate your needs. Your supervisor isn’t a mind reader.

 

  • Relationships are like plants – they need watering. Even just once a year.

 

  • Ignore labels. Do your thing. And do it well.

 

  • Respect yourself. Your worth isn’t defined by your city – but by how you see yourself.

 

A heartfelt thank-you to Autopay S.A. for your generous hospitality and support during the opening of the 11th edition of Leopolis for Future.

 

Your kindness made this gathering truly special!

 

27 Jun 2025
Opening of the 11th Edition of the Leopolis for Future Internship Program

 

With pride and joy, we have launched the 11th edition of the Leopolis for Future Internship Program!

 

This year, 16 students from Ukraine were selected through a demanding, multi-stage recruitment process. These young leaders are already shaping their professional futures in leading Polish companies and institutions – and we are honored to accompany them on this journey.

 

The opening ceremony took place in the extraordinary setting of Hotel Verte – a restored 18th-century palace that now blends past and future. Both symbolically and literally, it was a place where history meets innovation – a perfect backdrop to begin the next stage of our shared path.

 

The evening’s special guest was Mr. Sameer Chauhan, Director General of UNICC. His inspiring speech reminded us all that while destruction is easy, true courage lies in creation. That is precisely the task facing our interns – to build the future with determination, step by step, even in the face of obstacles.

 

Earlier in the day, the participants took part in intensive career development workshops led by the Bigram team. It was a time for reflection, planning, and taking the first steps toward professional independence.

 

Among the program’s partners – the companies and institutions that host our interns and support the Foundation’s mission – are:

 

Autopay S.A., Clifford Chance, ETOS S.A., ING Bank Śląski, KPMG, LPP S.A., the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy of UCK SPZOZ in Gdańsk, Gdańsk City Hall, Gdynia City Hall, and the Office of MEP Magdalena Adamowicz.

 

Each of these organizations is not just a place of internship –  it is a space for growth, inspiration, and meaningful impact. We are grateful for your trust and willingness to share your expertise.

 

This year, we are especially glad to welcome new, inspiring institutions that have brought unique value and perspective to the program:

 

  • Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy at the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk

 

Internships at this department offer a rare opportunity to observe and collaborate with one of the top oncology centers in Europe. This program would not have been possible without the personal involvement of Professor Rafał Dziadziuszko, Head of the Department and a distinguished expert and mentor, who opened up new professional and personal horizons for our participants.

 

  • Office of MEP Magdalena Adamowicz

 

Another exciting new venue in the program – a place where our interns can gain firsthand insight into European politics and legislative work. Participating in the Office’s activities is an opportunity to develop civic, legal, and communication skills in an international environment. We are grateful for your openness and commitment to the development of the young generation.

 

The 11th edition has officially begun – and this is just the beginning!

 

We look forward to the months ahead, filled with shared work, learning, and growth.

 

Because the future doesn’t build itself – we build it together.

 

4 Sep 2024
10th anniversary of the Leopolis for Future foundation

On June 24, at the College of Europe in Natolin, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Leopolis for Future foundation. The anniversary was a great opportunity for us to gather in one place all our Alumni, Friends and this year’s participants of our internship program.

The ceremony began with an official part, during which we had the honor of hosting the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mr. Dmytro Kuleba, Member of the European Parliament, Ms. Magdalena Adamowicz and Professor Jędrzej Morawiecki.
Later in the program, we moved to the Natolin Palace for the less official part of the evening.

We would like to thank all the Guests for a wonderful meeting.

3 Dec 2023
Leopolis for Future for SEMA Ukraine

Dear Friends of Leopolis for Future,

 

I would like to present you a small report from the event and charity auction we organized recently.

 

The event was organised on 2nd December 2023 by Leopolis for Future foundation together with H.E. Ms. Yevheniia Filipenko, the Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva.

 

The main purpose of the event was to engage friends of Leopolis for Future foundation and the local community in the fundraiser. Our goal was to raise the money for the support od SEMA Ukraine organisation.  The event was a real success. We reached our goal and we were excited about welcoming over 70 guests, representatives of Swiss businesses as well as diplomatic missions. Of course, this would not have been possible without the beautiful paintings donated to the auction by Mrs. Małgorzata Waluszewska.

 

The musical setting for the evening was provided the Lviv Virtuosos Quartet: Oksana Potapova (Violin),  Khrystyna Yusypovych – Burko (Violin),  Iryna Polova (Viola), Lyubov Holovata (Violoncello). You can visit the facebook profile of the Quartet by klicking here.  

 

SEMA Ukraine, or also known as the Ukrainian Network of Women Affected by Violence, was formed in 2019 to raise awareness of conflict-related sexual violence amongst survivors and government decision-makers, to establish a viable peace, and to gain support for survivors, from both the Eastern Ukrainian conflict from 2014 and following the full-scale invasion in 2022.  SEMA Ukraine is working in Ukraine since 2019, actively raising visibility on the use of sexual violence by Russian and pro-Russian forces, including past violence that occurred since 2014. They conduct interviews with national and international media outlets and participate in advocacy during in-person and online events, in national and international fora. SEMA Ukraine members have also documented crimes that took place in formerly occupied territories, and assisted survivors of sexual violence with peer-to-peer support as well as referrals. 

 

SEMA Ukraine will use the funds raised for the rapid response fund created by SEMA Ukraine for provision of an emergency individual support for victims of Conflict Related Sexual Violence in Ukraine.

 

SEMA Ukraine agreed to use the funds raised during the abovementioned fundraising event exclusively for provision of emergency individual support for victims of Conflict Related Sexual Violence in Ukraine, in particular for:

  • most and foremost a psychological support of survivors of CRSV;
  • medical care that is not funded by the state or other (private insurance, public, CSO or international humanitarian organizations).
  • socioeconomic support to meet the immediate needs of survivors of CRSV (shelter, food, hygiene kits).
  • transport or accommodation for survivors of CRSV that enables them to access care.
24 Nov 2023
HEROINES SILENCIEUSES  
DE L’UKRAINE

 

Dear Friends of Leopolis for Future,

 

On 2nd December 2023, together with Ambassador of Ukraine to UN, H.E. Yevheniia Filipenko, we’re organizing an auction of paintings of Mrs Małgorzata Waluszewska. The event will be hosted at at the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.

 

The total profit from the auction will be donated to the SEMA Ukraine foundation to support the Silent Heroines of Ukraine.

 

Today, we would like to share a silent auction with you. You can start bidding now. 

 

To access the auction click here: AUCTION

 

To check the current status of the auction for each painting click on its picture in the gallery below.

 

30 Jul 2023
Leopolis for Future trainees visit the Emigration Museum in Gdynia

The Emigration Museum is located in the heart of the port of Gdynia, at the address “Polska 1”. It is here that the historic Maritime Station, built in the interwar period, is located. Due to its fascinating history, the building is not only the seat of the museum, but also an important part of the story presented in the Museum.

It was in the Marine Station that the central place of pre-war passenger traffic was located. The legendary Polish transatlantic liners with the MS “Batory” moored here. The building was the main part of the extensive emigration infrastructure and also had a very important representative function – it was the last image of Poland remembered by emigrants, and the first one for those coming from abroad. Its architecture – monumental and elegant on the one hand, avant-garde and functional on the other – combined the most important features of Gdynia – the pride of the Polish state, but also a city open to the world and modernity.

Źródło fotografii: Strona internetowa Muzeum Emigracji w Gdyni www.polska1.pl 

30 Jul 2023
Leopolis for Future breakfast

We value the time spent together and celebrate every possible opportunity to meet. On Sunday morning we had breakfast together with the President of the Leopolis for Future Council – Grzegorz Waluszewski.

29 Jul 2023
Leopolis for Future trainees visit the European Solidarity Centre

A permanent point on the map of the Tri-City and a place that we visit with our interns every year is the European Solidarity Centre. As every year, a visit to ESC aroused a lot of emotions among our trainees.

*The European Solidarity Center is a modern cultural institution that perpetuates the memory of our greatest civic success – the victory of Solidarity. It is a museum commemorating the Solidarity revolution and the fall of communism in Europe, but also an educational center, research and science center, archive, library and media library.

28 Jul 2023
Shakespeare Festival and a visit to the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre

After visiting Blue Media, we rushed to the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, where, as part of the 27th Shakespeare Festival, we watched a flamenco show entitled “Hamlet. The dance of the melancholic” directed by Jesus Herrera. After the show, we visited the library of the Professor Jerzy Limon, where we met with the Vice-President of the Theatrum Gedanense Foundation, Mrs. Justyna Limon.