On March 22–23, 2025, a unique conference took place in London as part of the social campaign “Nie hejtuję-motywuję” under the slogan “STOP HATE! MOTIVATE!”
This event aimed to provide education, psychological support, and strengthen self-esteem, as well as to counteract hate speech. The conference was held under the Honorary Patronage of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Purpose and Importance of the Event
The campaign “Nie hejtuję- motywuję” is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the harmfulness of hate and providing effective tools to deal with it. The event was not only an opportunity to discuss counteracting hate speech but also an inspiring meeting for people who want to strengthen their self-esteem and motivation to act.
The organizer – coordinator and campaign partner included Anna Szyryńska and the BLB Worldwide community, of which we are extremely proud and honoured to take part. The co-organizer of the conference was also the Polish Social & Cultural Association (POSK). The event was supported by Dorota Trawińska – My Thermomix Journey, the company BLB Worldwide, Bespoke Windows and Doors for You- Monika Rejment, and Life Oxygen – Robert Raczkiewicz.
During the event, inspiring personalities and experts from various fields spoke and shared their knowledge and experience:
• Katarzyna Bogusławska
• Katarzyna Nosal
• Jacek Jagódka
• John Parker
The workshop part was led by Ilona Adamska – philosopher, ethicist, president of the Foundation W ZGODZIE ZE SOBĄ and originator of the campaign. Her guests also included Maja and Zuzia Wojtczak, associated with the cosmetics brand KUMAZU.
On the first day of the event, students from three Polish schools participated:
- the Polish School – Polska Szkoła przy Ambasadzie RP
- the Polish School – Szkoła Polska im. Lotników
- the Polish School – Polska Szkoła Białych Orłów na Streatham
in total, almost 200 young people!
The second day of the campaign “NIE HEJTUJĘ-MOTYWUJĘ” in London was a success beyond our expectations. It gathered nearly 100 participants – both entrepreneurs and people wanting to learn how to effectively counteract hate speech.
The conference was opened by Vice Consul Anna Tarnowska-Waszak, who emphasized the importance of initiatives like ours in her speech, pointing to the growing need for education on hate and its destructive impact on society.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland clearly expressed his support for actions that help raise awareness of the harm caused by hate.
The Vice Consul also drew attention to the need to distinguish hate from constructive criticism – two concepts that are often wrongly equated in the age of the internet. She emphasized that every change in the world begins with change within ourselves, and that education and social awareness are key tools in the fight against hate.
Next, Ilona Adamska, the originator of the campaign “STOP HATE! MOTIVATE!”.”, took the floor. In her deeply emotional and personal speech, she shared her story of fighting hate – from childhood, through adolescence, to professional and media life. Her lecture moved participants greatly – many couldn’t hold back tears.
Ilona Adamska highlighted the psychological consequences of hate, which can lead to lowered self-esteem, depression, and even more serious health issues.
She also noted that what irritates us most in others is often what we do not accept in ourselves – the mechanism of projection causes us to see in others those traits we don’t want to acknowledge in ourselves.
In the second part of the conference, an inspiring discussion panel took place with four exceptional guests – representatives of different fields who encountered hate in their careers and social activities and had to learn how to deal with it:
Jack Jagodka – a world-class actor and stuntman who performed in productions such as James Bond, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, The Witcher, Wonder Woman, and Transformers. He spoke about hate in the film industry and how he dealt with criticism and negative opinions while building his brand on the international stage.
Katarzyna Nosal – a debuting writer, author of children’s literature, nominated for the best book of the year award. In her speech, she drew attention to hate in the literary world and how (non-constructive) criticism can affect young authors – often killing their dreams of writing.
John Parker – entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of Johns Red Bus organization, spoke about hate directed at people involved in charity work and about xenophobia.
Katarzyna Bogusławska – a solicitor and partner at the Carter Lemon Camerons LLP law firm, who discussed in detail the legal consequences of hate in the UK, pointing to specific regulations and high-profile cases that show that hate speech does not go unpunished.
After the conference, participants approached us, sharing their stories and experiences related to hate – both online and in real life.
Many spoke about the problems their children face in British schools, especially in the context of nationality.
We received a lot of extremely valuable opinions and positive feedback! Participants emphasized that it had been a long time since they had attended such inspiring lectures and that our event gave them strength.
After the substantive part, Ilona Adamska presented the “FIRMA O WIELKIM SERCU 2025” (Company with a Big Heart 2025) statuettes to sponsors who supported our campaign in the UK:
- Dorota Walenkiewicz Trawińska – My Thermomix Journey
- BLB Worldwide Anna Szyryńska
- Bespoke Windows and Doors for You Monika Rejment
- Life Oxygen Robert Raczkiewicz
- POSK (co-organizer of our conference)
Participants also received beautiful gifts from BLB WORLDWIDE, and the entire event was excellently hosted by Anna Szyryńska, who ensured professionalism and a unique atmosphere.
Marcin Kalinowski, President of the Polish Social & Cultural Association, was extremely impressed by the substantive value of the conference and announced that he would like our event to be held regularly – even 1–2 times a year.
The next event of the campaign Nie hejtuję – Motywuję will take place soon, on November 22–23, to which we cordially invite you.
More information will be posted on the social media profiles of the Kampania Nie hejtuję – Motywuję (STOP HATE! MOTIVATE!”.)