Polish Expert from PISM to Participate in 2026 Disinformation Dialogue in Cape Town

An international conference addressing the growing threat of disinformation has convened experts from around the world in Cape Town, South Africa this week. Among the distinguished participants at the Disinformation Dialogue 2026 is a senior analyst from the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), marking Poland’s continued engagement in global efforts to combat false information campaigns.

The three-day conference brings together policymakers, academics, technology specialists and security experts to develop coordinated responses to what many describe as an escalating global crisis of disinformation. Participants are examining how deliberately misleading information has influenced electoral processes, inflamed social tensions, and complicated international relations across multiple continents.

“The challenges we face today require unprecedented cooperation between governments, civil society, and technology platforms,” said the PISM representative during a panel discussion focused on Eastern European experiences. “Poland’s position at the crossroads of East and West gives us particular insight into how disinformation campaigns operate across different political contexts.”

Poland’s contribution to the dialogue reflects the country’s growing prominence in European security discussions, particularly regarding information warfare. In recent years, PISM has established itself as a leading voice on disinformation threats facing Central and Eastern Europe, publishing extensive research on foreign influence operations targeting the region.

The conference comes at a critical moment, as democratic nations worldwide grapple with increasingly sophisticated disinformation tactics. Recent studies indicate a 37% rise in coordinated false information campaigns over the past two years, with artificial intelligence tools making detection significantly more difficult.

South Africa’s hosting of the event underscores the global nature of the challenge. African nations have increasingly become targets for disinformation campaigns, particularly around election periods and during moments of social unrest. Representatives from several African countries shared experiences of how false narratives spread via messaging platforms have complicated public health initiatives and democratic processes.

“What we’re seeing is an evolution in tactics,” explained Dr. Nompumelelo Simelane, a South African media researcher speaking alongside the Polish expert. “Disinformation no longer comes only from obvious foreign sources but is increasingly laundered through legitimate-appearing local channels, making it harder for citizens to distinguish fact from fiction.”

The conference has highlighted several emerging trends, including the use of deepfake technology to create convincing but entirely fabricated video content, the exploitation of encrypted messaging services to spread false information while evading oversight, and the targeting of specific vulnerable communities with tailored disinformation narratives.

PISM’s participation reflects Poland’s strategic interest in building international coalitions to address information threats. Since joining the European Union, Poland has advocated for stronger joint approaches to countering disinformation, particularly from hostile state actors targeting democratic institutions.

Workshop sessions at the conference are focused on practical solutions, including media literacy initiatives, technological countermeasures, and policy frameworks that balance combating disinformation with protecting free speech. Experts are also examining how different legal systems address the challenge, from the European Union’s Digital Services Act to various approaches in the Global South.

“The exchange of knowledge between European institutions like PISM and our counterparts across Africa and Asia represents exactly the kind of cross-regional cooperation we need,” said conference organizer Thomas Mbeki. “Disinformation doesn’t respect borders, and neither can our responses.”

The conference will conclude with the release of a comprehensive framework document outlining recommended practices for governments, media organizations, and technology platforms. Participating institutions, including PISM, have committed to ongoing collaboration following the event.

As democratic nations prepare for numerous critical elections in the coming years, the dialogue in Cape Town may prove particularly timely. Experts warn that election-focused disinformation campaigns are becoming more targeted and technically sophisticated, requiring proactive measures from electoral authorities and media organizations alike.

The Polish delegation is expected to host a follow-up regional conference in Warsaw later this year, focusing specifically on disinformation challenges facing NATO and EU member states in Eastern Europe.