A doctor, a footballer, a writer, soldiers, organisers of historical campaigns, journalists – KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. has once again rewarded outstanding personalities whose activities contribute to promoting Poland around the world. The fourth edition of the copper giant’s Ambassador of Poland plebiscite was resolved. The ceremonial gala was held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
The ‘Ambassador of Poland’ plebiscite serves to honour outstanding individuals who, in various areas, demonstrate globally that Poland is a country of people with enormous passion and commitment. As every year, the nominees included several dozen people, including successful scientists, representatives of culture in the broadest sense of the word and athletes.
In his opening remarks, Marcin Chludziński, President of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., emphasised that the Company, as a business ambassador of Poland, strives to promote people and undertakings that promote the national brand.
“Today, as a nation, we need role models to build on. We need examples of tenacity, courage, hard work and talent. We need Polish champions. The winners of our plebiscite are just such individuals. They contribute to building Poland’s image abroad, but also to building national identity, including among the younger generation. To consolidate the awareness that Poland is a country of creative people, with enormous potential, who can be successful,” said Marcin Chludziński.
Prizes were awarded in several categories. In the ‘Sport’ category, the laurel went to Robert Lewandowski.
In the ‘Science’ category, the award went to Professor Jan Lubiński. He is one of the most important figures in Polish genetics. He created the world’s first preventive genetic-oncology programme. Author of dozens of national and international patents granted and implemented. For many years, he has been the most cited Polish researcher in the field of biomedicine and oncology.
The ‘Culture’ category, in turn, is a triumph for Andrzej Sapkowski. The writer is the most translated Polish fantasy author after Stanisław Lem. Sapkowski’s books have been translated into almost twenty languages. His literature has been the basis for comic books, a feature film, a TV series and a series of computer games. Thanks to “The Witcher”, he has won the hearts of the Award Chapter, as well as fantasy fans all over the world.
A Special Award was also presented as part of the Ambassador of Poland 2022 awards. The Territorial Defence Forces were honoured by Marcin Chludziński, President of KGHM. As he emphasises, “the members of the WOT (TDF – Territorial Defense Forces – ed.) have shown extraordinary activity and efficiency by helping with many activities related to the reception of refugees from Ukraine into Poland after Russia attacked that country. In doing so, they proved that they are extremely necessary, that they are one of the pillars of our country’s security”.
The competition’s jury also awarded a Special Prize – honourable mentions were given to foreign journalists who reported on Poles’ assistance to Ukraine. The award was received on behalf of the community by Rita Cosby.
“My father fought in the Warsaw Uprising. And today, we journalists are fighting for justice and showing the truth. Creating testimonies of history through our words and images. By showing the world the irreplaceable and unforgettable role of Poland. You opened your homes to millions of refugees and never hesitated in your support for freedom. In this dark hour for Ukraine, my father’s beloved homeland, my second homeland, brought extraordinary light,” emphasised the American television and radio journalist.
An integral part of the Polish Ambassador competition is the Audience Award. Voters in the KGHM poll awarded this distinction to the organisers of the BohaterON – Turn on History! This was to honour the promotion of patriotic attitudes and national identity in Poland and abroad, as well as the creation of a community remembering the history of our country and its heroes. In justification, the voters most frequently wrote one sentence: “There is no better promotion of 20th-century Polish history”.
During the Gala, KGHM also celebrated the 25th anniversary of its debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. This year is also the 65th anniversary of the discovery of a copper ore deposit in Lower Silesia.
