PaweÅ‚ Adamowicz (November 2, 1965, Gdansk) – the Mayor of Gdansk, a lawyer by education, he graduated from the University of GdaÅ„sk. In May 1988 he was a co-organizer of a sit-down strike at the University of GdaÅ„sk and became a chairman of students’ strike committee. For three years (1990-1993) he held the position of the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at the University of GdaÅ„sk.
In 1990 he was elected a councilor of GdaÅ„sk. In the subsequent term of office (1994-1998) he chaired the GdaÅ„sk City Council. From 1998 Mr Adamowicz helds the office of the Mayor of GdaÅ„sk (first he was nominated for the post, than on November 2002 he was re-appointed for this position first time in direct elections, both in 2006 and 2010 the residents again entrusted him the mandate of the City Mayor). He represents Polish leading political party – Civic Platform and is an active member of the local Kashubian-Pomeranian Union.
Mr. Adamowicz has been recognized by the Holy Father John Paul II with a top distinction available to a lay person – the Golden Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross. He was awarded by the Polish President, Aleksander KwaÅ›niewski, the Silver Cross of Merit in 2003.