On September 11 and 12, 2025, Warsaw will host a unique event that could mark a new chapter in how we think about Poland’s rivers – the “United by the Vistula” conference. This gathering aims to bring together diverse communities to reflect collectively on the future of the Vistula – a river that for centuries has been a vital artery of Poland’s social, economic, and cultural life.
Dialogue Beyond Divisions – United for the Vistula
The “United by the Vistula” conference is a space open to dialogue, reflection, and collaboration. The event will bring together scientists, local government representatives, NGOs, water and sewage industry experts, and members of the younger generation – increasingly vocal in their demands for real action to protect nature.
Organized by the Business for Climate Foundation in cooperation with the Warsaw Greenery Authority and the Wisła District initiative, the conference will take place at the modern conference venue The Tides, located at 8 Wioślarska Street – right on the banks of the Vistula River, adding a symbolic dimension to the entire event.
Shared Challenges, Shared Responsibility
The Vistula – Poland’s longest river – has been facing increasingly serious challenges in recent years. Ongoing climate change is contributing to hydrological droughts, while the lack of systemic action is exacerbating problems related to water quality and the river’s ecological condition. Pollution, shoreline development, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity are all factors leading to an uncertain future for the Vistula.
During the conference, participants will be presented with concrete examples of initiatives undertaken by cities along the river. One highlight will be a review of the outcomes of the 2024 “Together for the Vistula” dragon boat expedition, which connected Kraków, Sandomierz, Warsaw, and Gdańsk. Water quality testing carried out during the journey revealed alarming results: along almost the entire length of the river, key parameters failed to meet required environmental standards.
Expertise and Youth – Two Pillars of Change
The panel sessions will feature not only local government officials and industry experts, but also representatives from academic circles and youth organizations. This inclusive dialogue aims to develop concrete recommendations on water management, river protection, climate change adaptation, and the creation of an effective water policy in Poland.
A key moment of the conference will be the presentation of the project “The Road to Legal Personhood for the Vistula” – an innovative initiative seeking to grant the river legal status. Such a move would allow the Vistula to be recognized not merely as a natural resource, but as a shared common good – one deserving protection for its cultural, historical, and symbolic significance.
Art, Sport, and NGOs – The Vistula as a Source of Inspiration
An important part of the conference will be the accompanying events, open to both Warsaw residents and visitors. One such highlight is the open-air exhibition “I Am the Vistula – Creator and Mirror” by Wiktor Strumiłło. This series of art installations placed in public spaces is designed to reveal the spiritual, symbolic, and ecological dimensions of the river – as a living entity that gives life, inspires, and demands respect and protection.
Excitement will also come with the dragon boat races, featuring teams composed of representatives from the organizers, partners, and institutions involved in environmental protection and ecological education. This spectacular event will not only provide sporting thrills but also serve as a platform for cross-sector collaboration and relationship-building.
There will also be a dedicated space for non-governmental organizations. The specially designed NGO Zone will become a hub for sharing experiences, showcasing grassroots efforts to protect rivers, and hosting expert panels and networking sessions.
Why Take Part?
In an era of accelerating climate crisis and growing water scarcity, inaction is no longer an option. The Vistula is not just a geographical phenomenon – it is part of our identity, our heritage, and our future. The “United by the Vistula” conference offers a unique opportunity to come together – across institutions and generations – to develop concrete solutions for better river protection and a water policy rooted in cooperation.
The event also presents a chance to connect communities that have often worked in isolation: scientists, public officials, activists, artists, and young people. Only by speaking with a united voice can we make a real difference – and the Vistula deserves to be heard.
📍 When and Where?
September 11–12, 2025 | Warsaw
Venue: The Tides, 8 Wioślarska Street
🌐 More information: laczynaswisla.pl
Organizer: Business for Climate Foundation
Co-hosts: Warsaw Greenery Authority, Wisła District Initiative
Dive Deeper – Download the E-book “The Vistula. Power in Water”
For those who wish to explore the deeper meaning of the Vistula – not just as a river, but as a living story about Poland, nature, and ourselves – a special e-book is available. “The Vistula. Power in Water” by Olga Letycja Długokęcka is more than a record of a dragon boat journey along the entire length of the river; it is a reflective exploration of the Vistula as a shared, cultural, and spiritual asset.
As a participant of the expedition, the author captures both natural phenomena and the social realities tied to the degradation of rivers in Poland with journalistic sensitivity and literary ease. Her observations, emotions, and data presented in the book offer valuable context and complement the themes discussed during the conference.
This inspiring, educational, and thought-provoking read is perfect for anyone who cares about the future of the Vistula.
📖 The free e-book is available at:
👉 manifestklimatyczny.pl/wisla-sila-w-wodzie-2
Experience the Vistula Firsthand
The “United by the Vistula” conference is more than just a space for dialogue and action – it’s also an invitation to see the river anew, as a living organism that shapes Warsaw’s identity. If you’re planning to attend the event, take the opportunity to explore the Vistula on a personal level.
Praga, the boulevards, wild beaches, bike trails, and green hideaways on the river’s right bank offer a completely different perspective – one that’s more natural, closer to silence and nature. Discover the hidden gems along the Vistula in Warsaw, especially on the Praga side, and feel for yourself what so many speakers and panelists emphasize: that the Vistula is not only something to talk about – it’s something to experience.