The International Czech-Polish Borderlands Conference was a success; over 80 experts travelled to Hradec Králové to lead discussions
The Philosophical Faculty of the University of Hradec Králové successfully organised an international scientific conference that focused on the Czech-Polish borderlands. Over 80 experts from Central Europe came together to talk in the congress halls of a hotel in Hradec Králové from 2nd – 3rd October 2019. Experts met at the White Tower in Hradec Králové. The conference was just one of a series of conferences under the 1st Congress on Polish Studies. It was co-organised by the Polish-Czech Scientific Society, Wroclaw.
Professor Ondřej Felcman, Chairman of the Organisation Committee, Institute of History, Philosophical Faculty of the University of Hradec Králové, launched the Conference. Everyone was welcomed by Dr. Zdeněk Beran, UHK Vice-Rector for International Affairs; Dr. Jiří Štěpán, President of the Hradec Králové Region; Professor Jan Rychlík, Chairman of the National Congress Committee; and Dr. Ryszard Gładkiewicz, Chairman of the Polish-Czech Scientific Society Committee, Wroclaw University. Barbara Anna Ćwioro, Poland Ambassador to the Czech Republic sent her regards.
Individual experts then took the floor and discussions revolved around social science aspects. Specifically geography, sociology, history, demography, and even area studies pertaining to the Kłodzko and Těšín regions. “The topic of the Conference reflected the fact that the University of Hradec Králové has always been involved in science cooperation focusing on Czech and Polish relations and in the research of the Czech-Polish borderlands. Especially in regards to historical and sociological aspects,” said Professor Ondřej Felcman, Philosophical Faculty, UHK. He added: “It was very important that leading researchers, teachers and experts in regional development, self-government and tourism from both the Czech Republic and Poland attended the Conference.”
The International Czech-Polish Borderlands Conference was attended by 80 experts and other people interested in the topics under discussion. About half of them presented their papers and contributions. “The Conference constituted an equal partner to the on-going Congress and participants gave it the thumbs up. Dr. Ryszard Gładkiewicz, Wroclaw University, also disclosed words of praise in his closing speech,” is how its main organiser, Professor Ondřej Felcman, evaluated it.
Two Polish films (80 milionów and Excentrycy) were shown during the Conference at the University Library on October 1, 2019. •
