Polish foreign minister Karol Nawrocki is lobbying President, Prime Minister and UN Secretary‑General António Guterres to back Szymon Hołownia’s candidacy for a high‑level UN post, says a presidential aide.
Support from the President
Marcin Przydacz, head of the President’s Office for International Policy, said the president is ready to assist the Marshal if called upon, noting it is normal to support compatriots. He revealed that President Andrzej Duda, during a recent U.S. trip, encouraged Karol Nawrocki to seek backing for Szymon Hołownia’s UN candidacy.
Nawrocki’s Lobbying in the U.S.
According to Przydacz, Nawrocki asked for support during his U.S. visit, and Duda had already persuaded Secretary‑General António Guterre to favor Hołownia. The meeting took place on 22 September at the sidelines of the UN summit in New York.
Hołownia Meets Guterres in New York
On Friday, Hołownia is scheduled to speak with Guterre in New York, the encounter set for 15:30 local time (21:30 Poland). He told TVN24 correspondent Marcin Wrona that he is not the favourite in the race but proud to be Poland’s nominee, backed by the president and prime minister. He highlighted his long‑term NGO work in Africa and Asia, noting early support from African states in the process.
Hołownia’s UN High Commissioner Application
On Monday, Hołownia announced his submission for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees role. He stressed the significance of this position for Poland and the region and thanked President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister for their clear support. He noted that no Polish has ever held the office.
Hołownia’s Realistic Outlook
Hołownia admitted his chances are low, saying that a week ago the process had not started. He expressed joy at the possibility of focusing on a “language” that unites people, regardless of views, faith, or colour—“the language of bread, care, a hug, and hope.”
