The 9th Lower Silesian Political and Economic Forum was held in Krzyżowa near Wałbrzych in Lower Silesia province Nov. 16-18, attracting more than 800 politicians, businesspeople and scientists. The main theme of this year's conference was A Creative Lower Silesia Toward a Creative Europe.

"Lower Silesia brings to mind people who are not afraid of challenges," said Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, former prime minister of Poland, now an executive director at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. "You are really very good at developing your region, which benefits all of Poland and Europe."

Prof. Jan Waszkiewicz, one of the forum organizers, said, "It is creativity that distinguishes our region from others in Poland. Here many people are putting in creative effort. This is where many interesting ideas originate. I can give you multiple examples. Wrocław is taking full advantage of European Union funds, will host the European soccer championships [in 2012], and is fighting to open a European Technology Institute. It is worth planning for many years ahead while promoting education."

Another organizer, Janisław Muszyński, said the forum "is neither an institution that carries out projects on its own nor a body that forces anyone to do anything." Topics discussed at the event include strategic plans for the region, Muszyński said, calling for "effective cooperation between all levels of local government."

Marek Łapiński, chairman of the Lower Silesian Assembly, said the forum "is an informal regional parliament and a springboard for local government work."

Andrzej Łoś, chairman of Lower Silesia province, called the forum a "regional Davos" and said that "after three days of intensive work" the event's participants "achieved results that would not be possible at any other type of meeting."

Leon Kieres, chairman of the foreign affairs committee of the Senate, Poland's upper house of parliament, appealed for changes to laws governing public-private partnerships, public procurement, and competition and consumer protection. The laws should "promote economic development rather than play a policeman's role," Kieres said.