In 2023, the University of Gdańsk is joining the official celebration of World Values Day. This is a nationwide initiative launched by the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL), the largest organisation of companies in the modern business services sector.

The University of Gdańsk’s core values are the rational pursuit of truth through innovative research, following the best models of world science, modern education for civilisational and social development, mutual respect and trust, tolerance for diversity of views and solidarity of the entire academic community.

‘Celebrating World Values Day is an annual campaign taking place on the same day in more than 80 countries to raise awareness and practice of universal values around the world in changing external circumstances. On October 19, 2023, from 10.00-13.30, the Faculty of Economics at the University of Gdańsk will host two very interesting panel debates among scientists and academics, representatives and representatives of business, local government and local opinion leaders and leaders, who will discuss how our identity influences our sense of belonging,’ says the Faculty of Economics’ Vice-Dean for Development and Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment, dr Magdalena Markiewicz.

The World Values Day event will take place simultaneously in eight locations (Warsaw, Krakow, Wrocław, Katowice, Poznań, Łódź, Tricity, Bydgoszcz) and is part of ABSL’s #WorkingTogether programme, which includes a range of inclusive activities.

At 10.00 a.m., the opening will be made by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, dr hab. Monika Bąk, prof. UG. The introduction to the discussion will be given by the Vice President of ABSL and Chapter Leader of ABSL in Tri-City, Remigiusz Wojciechowski.

The first debate entitled ‘A sense of belonging in a changing world. How to find yourself in a time of social, cultural and business change’ (10.15-11.15) will be attended by:

• Katarzyna Gruszecka- Spychała - Deputy Mayor of Gdynia for the Economy,
• dr hab. Natasza Kosakowska-Berezecka, prof. UG - academic lecturer, researcher, Head of the Department of Intercultural and Genre Psychology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk,
• Natalia Partyka - Polish table tennis player, four-time Paralympic medallist,
• dr Magdalena Markiewicz - Deputy Dean for Development and Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment, Faculty of Economics, University of Gdańsk (debate moderator).

The subject of the second debate, ‘Many shades of belonging and involvement’ (11.20-12.20), is the exchange of experiences and mutual inspirations concerning the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) policy in sectoral companies and universities.

The second debate will be attended by:

• Aleksandra Peszek, HR Manager, Bayer,
• Katarzyna Cichocka, Technical Program Manager, Diversity and Inclusion Leader, Intel,
• dr Krzysztof Szczepaniak, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development, University of Gdańsk,
• Klaudia Knapik, HR Manager, DNV (debate moderator).

The event will occur at the University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Economics, Sopot, 119/121 Armii Krajowej Street, room C301 (building C, 3rd floor).

Event website: World Values Day - ABSL

World Values Day at the University of Gdańsk has the patronage of the Rector UG, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski.