The conference LEADER: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities 2024 was held on June 18-20 in Zakopane. More than 400 people attended the event, including representatives of local action groups (LAGs), voivodeship governments, Paying Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy and NGOs. Participants discussed the experience of implementing the LEADER approach and the challenges they face in the new programming period (2023-2027). Both the workshops and discussions helped provide a better understanding of the new opportunities available to LEADER.

The three-day conference was opened by the moderator of the meeting, Andrzej Hałasiewicz, with the words: “A great celebration of those involved in LEADER”.

The first day of the conference was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Czesław Siekierski, who highlighted the achievements of local action groups (LAGs), and provided a broader overview of the current situation in the countryside and agriculture. Key presentations included insights on LEADER's core principles, the results of the competition for the selection of local development strategies (LDS) in Poland for the new programming period, and good practices in multi-funding from Kuyavian-Pomeranian region. During the opening day, a representative of DG AGRI, Iwona Lisztwan gave a presentation on the added value of LEADER.

The second day of the conference featured 16 workshops on topics such as: local community animation, cooperation and partnership projects, LDS evaluation, promotion and communication of LAGs, management of LDS multi-funds, involvement of young people in LAGs activities, and how to support the creation of and ensure the selection of high quality projects. The experts leading each workshop prepared reports on their sessions, which were summarized by the moderator of the event. That afternoon, participants had the opportunity to attend consultations at the expert tables on smart villages, Rural Pact, agrotourism and care farms, and educational farms.

On the final day, the sessions opened with a presentation based on research about the values and needs of rural youth, leading into a debate on engaging them in LEADER initiatives with contribution from Adam Nowak, the Undersecretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Development. Later lectures included LAGs’ environmental protection activities, and a presentation on the cybersecurity of LAGs.

Participants of the conference emphasized the LEADER’s pivotal role in mobilizing local communities across Poland, highlighting its adaptability to evolving conditions. The conference combined retrospective insights with forward-looking workshops, addressing the challenges and growth opportunities for LAGs. Participants highlighted the need for stable funding for LAGs, clear operating rules, and ensuring that they have bottom-up decision-making. The LEADER approach should support rural residents in shaping their future according to their expectations and imagination.

Opportunities for effective action exist and can be increased by the multi-funding of CLLD, which in the current programming period benefits only 10 regions in Poland, but should benefit all 16.

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