Poland’s Model for Digital Resilience: Secure Schools, Skilled Citizens, Strong Society
NASK – National Research Institute
Session 176
This session will present Poland’s comprehensive model for building digital resilience, based on three mutually reinforcing pillars: secure public digital infrastructure, nationwide cybersecurity support, and intergenerational digital-skills development. In the context of growing cyber threats, disinformation, and hybrid risks, the need for coordinated and state-supported approaches that strengthen both systems and citizens has become increasingly urgent.
The discussion will be grounded in practical, large-scale implementations delivered by NASK – National Research Institute in cooperation with public institutions and education stakeholders. A central example is the National Educational Network (OSE), which provides secure, high-quality Internet access to the majority of Polish schools as a long-term public service. This model goes beyond connectivity by integrating monitoring, threat filtering and incident response, ensuring a trusted digital environment for education. Complementary solutions, such as sensor-based educational initiatives.
A second pillar focuses on building digital skills across all generations. Poland has developed a coherent “chain of resilience” approach, targeting youth, teachers, and seniors. Programmes such as “Broń się w necie” and OSE IT School strengthen cybersecurity awareness and resilience to online manipulation among students, while nationwide teacher training initiatives ensure sustainable knowledge transfer. At the same time, programmes for seniors promote safe and confident use of digital services.
The session will also address informational resilience as a key element of digital transformation. Systemic approaches combining education, public communication, and secure infrastructure help strengthen society’s ability to recognise disinformation and resist manipulation.
By presenting an integrated, scalable national model, the session will contribute to WSIS discussions on translating policy into practical implementation. It will also outline a forward-looking vision , emphasising resilience, inclusiveness, and trust as the foundations of safe digital transformation and responsible use of emerging technologies.
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C1. The role of governments and all stakeholders in the promotion of ICTs for development
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C2. Information and communication infrastructure
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C3. Access to information and knowledge
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C4. Capacity building
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C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs
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C6. Enabling environment
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-government
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C7. ICT applications: benefits in all aspects of life — E-learning
The session directly contributes to several WSIS Action Lines by presenting an integrated national model that combines infrastructure, capacity building, and trust. It demonstrates the role of public institutions and multi-stakeholder cooperation (C1) in designing and implementing long-term digital resilience strategies. Through the National Educational Network, the session addresses the development of secure and reliable digital infrastructure (C2) and ensures equitable access to information and knowledge (C3).
By showcasing nationwide digital-skills programmes for students, teachers and seniors, the session strongly supports capacity building (C4) and promotes inclusive digital participation. The focus on cybersecurity services, safe connectivity and resistance to disinformation directly aligns with building confidence and security in ICT use (C5).
The session also highlights the importance of policy frameworks and coordinated public interventions that enable sustainable digital development (C6). Finally, it contributes to ICT applications in key areas of public life (C7), particularly e-learning and e-government, by demonstrating how secure infrastructure and digitally skilled citizens improve access to education and public services.
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Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
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Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries
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Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
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Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
The session contributes directly to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by demonstrating how digital resilience can serve as a cross-cutting enabler of sustainable development. By ensuring secure and reliable connectivity for schools and communities, the model supports equitable access to quality education (SDG 4) and reduces digital inequalities (SDG 10), particularly in underserved and rural areas.
The development of nationwide digital-skills programmes strengthens human capital and promotes lifelong learning, contributing to inclusive economic participation and employability (SDG 8). At the same time, building secure digital infrastructure and public digital services aligns with the objectives of resilient infrastructure and innovation (SDG 9).
The session also highlights the importance of trust, cybersecurity and information integrity in strengthening institutions and protecting citizens from digital threats, directly contributing to peaceful and resilient societies (SDG 16). Finally, the model emphasises cross-sector cooperation between government, education systems and civil society, reflecting the role of partnerships in achieving sustainable development (SDG 17).
By presenting practical, scalable solutions, the session demonstrates how integrated national approaches can accelerate progress across multiple SDGs through safe, inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
- Objective 1: Close all digital divides and accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals
https://www.nask.pl
https://ose.gov.pl
https://www.gov.pl/web/cyfryzacja