Polish-French Friendship Day in Chicago Highlights Shared History and Future Cooperation

On April 20, 2026, representatives of the French and Polish governments gathered in Chicago to celebrate the first-ever Franco-Polish Friendship Day, marking a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations. The event, led by Consul General of France Charlotte Montel and Consul General of Poland Regina Jurkowska, brought together members of the diplomatic, cultural, academic, and business communities to recognize the deep-rooted ties between France and Poland and to strengthen future collaboration.

Established by the Treaty of Nancy, signed on May 9, 2025, Franco-Polish Friendship Day serves as a symbol of the enduring partnership between the two countries. The date also holds historical significance, commemorating the pantheonization of Marie Skłodowska-Curie in 1995.

The day began with a visit to the Polish Museum of America, the first Polish museum established abroad, where attendees were introduced to the institution’s extensive historical collections. The visit included an insightful presentation by museum leadership and staff, highlighting key moments in Franco-Polish relations and showcasing rare archival materials, including original correspondence from Marie Skłodowska-Curie and historical artifacts connected to Napoleon. The program also featured a tour of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America headquarters, further emphasizing the longstanding presence and contributions of the Polish community in the United States.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in discussions with representatives from the French and Polish business, cultural, and academic sectors, reflecting the dynamic and multifaceted relationship between the two nations. These conversations underscored the importance of international cooperation and the role of diaspora communities in fostering cross-cultural exchange and professional collaboration.

A key component of the program included a discussion with students of history and political science, as well as members of the newly established Polish International Baccalaureate section at the Lycée Français de Chicago. This session provided a meaningful opportunity to engage with the next generation, exploring contemporary geopolitical developments in Europe while encouraging dialogue on the future of European partnerships.

The event concluded with a joint reception at the Consulate General of Poland, bringing together representatives from both communities for an evening dedicated to dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange. The reception served as a fitting conclusion to a day centered on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to continued cooperation.

Members of the Polish Youth Association, Monica Lebensztejn, Marianna Mosz and Alex Janowicz, actively participated in networking opportunities throughout the day, engaging with leadersThe event provided a valuable platform for building meaningful connections and strengthening the organization’s presence within the broader Polish-American and international community.

The Polish Youth Association continues to support initiatives that connect young professionals with global networks and foster engagement within the Polish diaspora. As demonstrated by Franco-Polish Friendship Day, such events not only celebrate shared history but also create new opportunities for collaboration, dialogue, and future growth.