Forum of Local and Regional Authorities

“New Challenges for Local Governments”

Main Partner of the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities

Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane (25–26 November 2025) starts in::

About Forum of Local and Regional Authorities

Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane is a response to the record-breaking interest in the European Congress of Local Governments held in Mikołajki. Recognizing the need for dialogue on the current challenges faced by local government leaders, the Foundation Institute for Eastern Studies, together with the Małopolska Region and the City of Zakopane, has undertaken the initiative to co-organize a conference that will help local governments find answers to the key challenges facing regions in 2026.

This year’s Forum focuses on new challenges and the most important issues faced by local government leaders. These include investment, education funding, healthcare and sports, energy transition, spatial planning, enhancing regional investment and tourism attractiveness, and public safety. The Forum will serve as a leading platform for dialogue, exchange of experience, development of joint solutions, and building of regional partnerships.

Why become a Partner of the Local Government Forum?

International guests – local and regional leaders from Poland and across Europe
Debates and workshops focused on the most pressing issues for local governments
A platform for sharing experiences and establishing new business connections
Market research and legal analyses of new laws and regulations

Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Numbers

Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane is the most important and largest local government event in Poland this autumn. In the last week of November, more than 800 local government leaders, as well as representatives of state administration, business, academia, culture, non-governmental organizations, and the media, will come to the capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains.

Days

+100

Debates

+800

Guests

Local Government Forum Topics

The conference will address the most important current challenges faced by local government authorities. Chief among them are ensuring financial stability in the face of increased spending on defense, public safety, and the energy and digital transitions.

The Forum will also discuss topics such as investment financing in the context of growing public debt, support for housing development along with urban planning challenges, education funding, cybersecurity of public infrastructure such as hospitals and water supply networks, and increasing the investment and tourism attractiveness of regions. The Forum’s agenda is designed for local government representatives at all three administrative levels — commune heads (mayors), city mayors, and presidents — as well as representatives of both integrated and non-integrated public administration.

The debates at Forum of Local and Regional Authorities will focus on topics grouped into thematic tracks such as: Security, Finance, Investment and Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism, Healthcare, Climate and Environment, and Society. Within these areas, discussions will cover issues including:

• Security and resilience of local communities
• Cohesion policy after 2027 from the perspective of local governments
• Transport exclusion of residents in smaller towns – how to effectively address it?
• District heating transformation – how to avoid the ETS trap?
• Local sports in practice: playing fields, budgets, and local government decisions
• The future of business tourism – latest trends in the MICE industry

Forum of Local and Regional Authorities - how to get there?

CONVENIENT TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS

The conference center for the Forum of Local and Regional Authorities in Zakopane (25–26 November 2025) will be the Nosalowy Dwór Hotel, located at 21 Balzera Street, at the foot of Mount Nosal. Guests using public transport can, upon arrival in Zakopane, take advantage of popular ride-hailing services available via mobile apps, such as Uber and Bolt. Attached you will find possible travel options for getting to Zakopane.

Top speakers

Planned Agenda

Day 1: 25 November from 2:00 PM

Program sessions, panel discussions, lectures, presentations
Awards gala and concert
Banquet

Day 2: 26 November until 10:00 PM

Program sessions, panel discussions, lectures, presentations
Plenary session with all Forum guests
Regional evening
Official closing

Why Become a Partner of the Local Government Forum?

International guests – local and regional leaders from Poland and across Europe
Debates and workshops focused on the most pressing issues for local governments
A platform for sharing experiences and establishing new business contacts
Market research and legal analyses of new laws and regulations

Main Partner

Lesser Poland – beautiful, safe, and modern

Lesser Poland is one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions in Poland and Europe. Its unique landscapes, wealth of nature, impressive historical sites, excellent regional cuisine, exceptional atmosphere, and traditional Lesser Poland hospitality attract millions of tourists from all over the world every year. Just last year, Lesser Poland welcomed 26 million visitors from Poland and abroad, making it a leader in tourism. A major asset of the region is its overall safety. Thanks to consistent investments by the Lesser Poland Regional Government in this area, Lesser Poland is a region where everyone can feel secure. Support from emergency services, purchases of modern equipment and vehicles, and specialized training all demonstrate that safety in Lesser Poland is a top priority. The dynamic development of Lesser Poland is now visible in every aspect. In areas such as transport, infrastructure, healthcare, and safety, billions of zlotys have been invested in recent years. This is a source of pride for Lesser Poland. Innovations and business development are also constantly supported. Lesser Poland is home to renowned universities and scientific institutions. It has technical infrastructure, research centers, experts and innovators in their fields, and an outstanding scientific staff. Moreover, it has active and entrepreneurial residents. “Today, Lesser Poland is one of the fastest-growing regions in Poland and Europe. It has enormous potential. The Local Government Forum in Zakopane is a wonderful opportunity to discuss how best to use it for the benefit of the region’s future and its residents,” says Łukasz Smółka, Marshal of the Lesser Poland Region.

The Host City of the Local Government Forum is Zakopane — known not only as the capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains, but also as a place that inspires dialogue and cooperation. Its picturesque surroundings and unique atmosphere foster creative work, constructive discussions, and the building of valuable relationships. It is an ideal setting for the exchange of experiences among representatives of various local government communities from across Poland.

Główni Partnerzy Medialni