Tomasz Wnęk is one of many young leaders bringing youth perspective to WEXFO 2025. The rising political voice from Poland, is one of the participants in the WEXFO More Young Voices seminar.
At the World Expression Forum 2025, Tomasz Wnęk will take part in the “Intergenerational Meeting” — a dynamic conversation between emerging voices and experienced defenders of freedom of expression, kicking off WEXFO on June 1.
At the age of 18, Tomasz has already made his mark in both regional and national politics in Poland. As a member of the Youth Parliamentary Council and the Youth Parliament of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, he advocates for stronger international and intergenerational dialogue. Ahead of his participation in WEXFO 2025 in Lillehammer, he shares his thoughts on diplomacy, youth empowerment, and why dialogue must always triumph over division.
What are you most looking forward to about participating in WEXFO?
“I see this conference as a great opportunity to represent young people from Poland and the Podkarpackie Voivodeship on the international stage. I’m especially excited that it’s taking place during the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. I’ll do my best to showcase my country’s potential.”
Are there any particular people you are excited to meet at WEXFO?
“As you might expect, I’m looking forward to meeting political leaders and young people from other countries. When I first looked at the conference program, I noticed how diverse the participants are. I think WEXFO will be a truly inspiring event.”
Which topics do you think will be among the most important to discuss at WEXFO — and why?
“In one sentence: dialogue instead of war. I believe the most essential topic is how to keep talking — even when we disagree. Coming from the eastern region of Poland, I want to say this clearly: dialogue must win over violence.”
You’re active in many fields — from regional and national politics to international diplomacy. What makes your perspective unique?
“I don’t come with demands — I come with concrete ideas and the courage to implement them. My experience has been built from the ground up: from local youth councils to national assemblies and international diplomacy. I don’t just represent “youth.” I represent people who want to build bridges before the old ones burn. When I see something wrong, I don’t sit down and complain — I go to Parliament or other authorities, I speak up, I take action. I also believe that social media is a powerful tool. Being active is a key part of my work. That’s the voice I want to bring to WEXFO: talk — and do!”
As a representative of the younger generation at the conference, what will be your most important message to high-profile speakers and decision-makers?
“Listen to the next generation — and trust us with responsibility. We want to express our needs and have the opportunity to share our ideas. Conferences like this, where young people are among the speakers, give us a real voice. Young people are capable of shaping the future — they just need to be empowered to do so.”
What do you hope to take away from WEXFO?
“I hope to board the plane back to Warsaw with a notebook full of ideas and a renewed drive to promote democratic dialogue and amplify the voices of young leaders from Central and Eastern Europe. This can be achieved through partnerships and friendships — and this conference is a great place to build both.”
🔗 Follow Tomasz Wnęk’s work:
- Instagram: @wnekpl
- Facebook: Tomasz Wnęk
- LinkedIn: Tomasz Wnęk
