Inclusive Warsaw 2030

The event “Inclusive Warsaw 2030” aims to spark a discussion on the inclusive development of Warsaw and Vienna by comparing the accessibility solutions implemented in both cities. The focus will be on the challenges and opportunities related to physical and digital accessibility, as well as how these two dimensions intersect.

A central part of the program will be a discussion with experts from Warsaw and Vienna on necessary improvements and the exchange of best practices. At the same time, the event will serve as a space for reflecting on the concept of the smart city — understood not only as a set of technologies, but as a socially and digitally accessible urban environment.

An important element of the event will be the involvement of students and academic communities, especially from technical and urban planning fields. Through joint workshop sessions, future designers will have the opportunity to confront their perspectives with the everyday experiences of people facing barriers in urban spaces.

The event will take place in a fully accessible venue. Polish–German interpretation (PL ↔ DE), Polish Sign Language (PJM) interpreters, assistance for blind participants, and facilities for wheelchair users will all be provided. The event will also be recorded and made available with translations — with special attention to the needs of older adults and people with visual impairments.

The event will consist of two main segments:

• 12:00 – 15:00 - Lecture & Discussion
Informal Networking & Break

• 15:30 – 18:00 | Workshop for Students

Hans-Jürgen Groß - a Burgenland native and an expert in barrier-free construction. Since February 2020, he has served as the Group Representative for Accessibility at Wiener Stadtwerke, working to ensure accessible access to information, services, and infrastructure.

Groß is a wheelchair user himself and is recognized as an expert within the disability community. He was the honorary chairman of ÖZIV Burgenland and was invited to Vienna in 2018 by City Councillor Peter Hacker. His goal: to establish accessibility as a fundamental principle across all areas of Wiener Stadtwerke – from public transport and energy supply to cemeteries and parking garages.

Donata Kończyk – For over 20 years, she has been working toward a world where accessibility and equal opportunities are the standard. A manager with experience leading teams and accessibility projects. Special educator in the field of visual impairment, and an orientation and vision rehabilitation instructor.
Currently, she serves as the Mayor of Warsaw’s Plenipotentiary for Accessibility – coordinating the implementation of solutions that improve residents’ quality of life.
She collaborates with European cities, ministries, and organizations, sharing knowledge, educating, and implementing innovations for more inclusive and accessible spaces.
Member of the Accessibility Council (2nd term).

Kamil Kowalski – Accessibility designer and director of Integracja LAB (Integracja Foundation). Author of nearly 1,000 accessibility audits of public and commercial facilities, including the Polish Parliament (Sejm), the Chancellery of the President, ministries, the Supreme Audit Office, railway stations, airports, museums, and universities.

Expert at the National Centre for Culture (2012–2014) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Construction (2016–2017). Author of numerous publications on accessibility, including for PFRON, "Architektura Murator", NIMOZ, and the Integracja Foundation.

Bartosz Wiktorzak – Graduate of the Warsaw University of Technology, former member of the Smart City Scientific Association and co-creator of the GdzieToMetro application, which helps passengers navigate Warsaw’s metro stations and nearby transit hubs quickly and easily.

Organizers: Austrian Cultural Forum in Warsaw, Interfaculty Student Association "Smart City" of the Warsaw University of Technology

September 15, 2025 (Monday), 12:00 PM

Austrian Cultural Forum

ul. Próżna 7/9, Warsaw

Free admission to the lecture and discussion!

Workshop participation upon registration only! (More info on the Facebook event page)