During the ceremony, Minister Sikorski thanked Minister Krzysztof Stanowski for his work in the Foreign Ministry and emphasized his services for development co-operation. Minister Stanowski, who became the Foundation’s Chair, presented the Foundation’s action plan for 2012.

A message by Jerzy Janiszewski was also read out. Mr Janiszewski, who created the “Solidarity” logo as well as the Polish Presidency logotype, expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the graphic sign will continue to function in the public space and serve the noble cause of supporting democratic transition around the world.

The Polish Know How Foundation for International Development Cooperation was    established in 2001 at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Poland. Its objectives include granting aid to countries in the transition towards a free-market economy and to private enterprise. It also aims to support economic, social and political development in these countries. The Foundation has already implemented a series of projects covering, among others, Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Georgia. It has drafted and published a number of publications devoted to the Polish transition experience.

In connection with Poland’s increasing role in fostering development cooperation and supporting democratic transitions, as well as responding to calls by Polish NGOs to create a Polish aid agency, in 2011 Minister Sikorski decided to reactive the Know How Foundation. In doing so, the Minister also addressed the institutional limitations of government administration in supporting Polish non-governmental organizations. The new Foundation’s Council and temporary Board, chaired by Minister Stanowski, were appointed. The Foundation’s will soon change its name to the Foundation for International Solidarity.

Press Office
Ministry of Foreign Affairs