Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear E-Readers,
Virtual reality may not be – as yet – more important, or – for that case – an overriding substitute of the reality that we still remember and sometimes even treasure. One has however to recognize that in the contemporary world, that of the XXI century, one possibly cannot go without what internet offers both in terms of the content and as an instrument of interpersonal (P2P), inter-company (B2B) and company-personal (B2P) communication. “I am in the internet, so I exist” – this is what could be told nowadays of anybody or any entity that does not wish to be ignored and omitted, forgotten before it gets known. No institution is an exception. To-date, even such institutions as, for example, ministries of foreign affairs or embassies – whose work requires some secrecy, present themselves in the cyberspace. This is why a modest Permanent Mission of the Republic of Poland to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the proud capital of France feels it needs to introduce itself and constantly up-date the information on its principal activities and Poland’s participation in the work of the OECD to the unknown e-readers, browsing through the cyberspace.
As a newly-appointed ambassador of Poland to OECD (though celebrating a come-back in this very capacity, as it was my part to establish the Mission shortly after Poland was admitted to this fine Organisation), I do feel a responsibility before the civil cyber-society to share the essence of what Poland does in and for, and expects from, the OECD. It hardly needs to be repeated what my country has accomplished in 15 past years of transition to a democratic market economy and free society. Its admittance to NATO (1999) and the European Union (2004) – but prior to it to the OECD (1996) - testify to the profoundness of change and its recognition by the like-minded states. Neither foreigners, nor – more importantly – Poles (those living between the Baltic golden sand beaches and picturesque and wild Tatra mountains – nearly 40 million, as well as those staying abroad all over the world – some 15 million more) have a legitimate basis to be proud of its country. The country that knew how to benefit from its regained independence to (a) shape on its own social and economic policies after having abandoned an inefficient system forced upon Poland after the WWII by the now non-existent superpower and (b) create a solid basis for reinforcing its sovereignty through the alliance and integration with the countries sharing common values with Poland after 1989. The country which – through its non-violent revolution inspired and carried out by the famous social movement Solidarność and its unforgettable subito santo John Paul II – has stimulated such events like the getting rid of the Berlin Wall, unification of Germany and – above all- the end of East West division of the globe and resulting tensions. The country on which the international community and allies can rely when international or their security is in jeopardy; now the turn will be coming for development assistance. A conclusion ? To improve a lot of countries, developed and developing alike, and their peoples, more mutual understanding and international solidarity are urgently needed.
What about Poland of today, and its participation in the OECD activities ? Its new government approved by the parliament following the autumn elections is determined to consolidate reforms in the economy, especially to fight corruption and facilitate conduct of business. It has expressed decisive interest in foreign investment that benefits both parties concerned. It puts an emphasis on progress and, as the case well is, more reforms in the health service, social care, especially help to the families in need, judicial procedures. Its intention is to accelerate, without overheating the economy and strain for the balance of payment, rate of economic growth indispensable to enhance social prosperity and to proceed with the catching up of Poland’s partners in the EU. These and other policy objectives enshrined in the government programme and announced in the prime minister Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz’s exposé last October will pre-determine the focus of our interest and level of engagement in the multi-faceted activities of OECD. The 2006 Economic Survey of Polish economy underway will reveal our strengths and identify obstacles to the sustainable development and remedies to eliminate them, with particular focus to be made on education and training . An important session of the OECD Environment Policies Committee is going to be held – quite exceptionally - in Poland. An active participation of Polish experts in the on-going reform efforts within the OECD itself is envisaged. For Poland whose membership in the Organisation is nearing first decade wishes to see it rejuvenated and strengthened, more visible and influential in the family of Inter-Governmental Organisations co-responsible for shaping the globalisation and thus the well-being on the planet. Poland is prepared to bring its modest contribution to help to attain this important goal which – incidentally – directly follows from the Paris Convention, the OECD mandate that Poland and other 29 states are parties to.
Jan WORONIECKI
Ambassador