The event marked the inauguration of the "Poland is in you" pilot project, aimed at strengthening the spirit of patriotism and building links with Poland among young Poles raised abroad.
Duda said: “It is very important for us to build a sense of community... to be together and to be proud of the fact that we have Polish roots.”
Most of the participants come from countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Latvia and Belarus, but there are also guests from Western nations including Italy, the US, Brazil and Argentina.
During their stay in Poland, the young people will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Poland, learn the Polish language, visit places of historical interest and meet people from the world of politics, culture and business.
They are to participate in numerous workshops and trainings, screenings of films about Polish history, meet Warsaw Uprising insurgents and Polish officials.
Duda said he was pleased that the guests came to Poland to experience the "great adventure of visiting the homeland” of their great-grandparents, grandparents and parents.
He added: "Even if you do not have this feeling yet, I deeply believe that this stay in Poland … will make you feel that your homeland is here too."
The "Poland is in you" project was developed in cooperation between the Presidential Office and the Senate, the Foreign and Education Ministries, LOT Polish Airlines and the John Paul II Thought Centre.
(aba/pk)
Source: PAP