The World Expo 2025 will take place in Osaka, Japan, starting on April 13, 2025. Poland will participate under the slogan, "Poland. A Heritage That Drives the Future."
On March 31, the General Commissioner of the Polish Section of the World Expo 2025, Member of Parliament Jacek Tomczak, and the AMU Rector, Prof. Bogumiła Kaniewska, held a briefing for journalists at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, about recent preparations and plans for the exhibition. They were joined by Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), Magdalena Skarżyńska, along with Marta Zielińska, Anna Duczmal-Mróz from the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Polish Radio, and Dr Yuki Horie from the AMU Institute of Oriental Studies.
Rector Kaniewska welcomed guests and highlighted that this year's Expo is focused on the future. She mentioned her participation in the Polish Science Day, which is part of the program. Additionally, she noted that the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange has held meetings with rectors of Japanese universities, seeing this as a vital opportunity for Polish universities to become hubs for innovation and change, not only technologically, but also socially.
Jacek Tomczak discussed Poland's leading slogan, "Poland. A Heritage That Drives the Future," emphasizing the significance of drawing inspiration from the legacies of past generations to fuel future progress. He also mentioned the plans for Greater Poland, stating that showcasing its entrepreneurial capital and historical significance as Poland's first royal residence is essential at this significant event.
The Greater Poland Voivodeship will present itself at the Expo from September 24 to 30, planning an economic mission as part of the "Wielkopolska 2050" project, concentrating on low and zero-emission technologies. According to the Expo Commissioner, this mission aims to establish business contacts, enhance exports, transfer innovative technologies, and attract investors in sustainable technologies. In addition to economic promotion, a variety of activities will highlight the region's cultural potential. The prestigious Amadeus Polish Radio Chamber Orchestra, established in Poznań in 1968 by Agnieszka Duczmal, will provide musical accompaniment. Anna Duczmal-Mróz, the Orchestra's director, who attended the meeting, announced that their flagship piece will be "Orawa," a 1986 symphonic poem by Wojciech Kilar that draws on Podhale music tradition and evokes deep emotions.
Magdalena Skarżyńska recounted the significant challenges faced over the past year in constructing the Polish Pavilion and organizing the Expo Osaka exhibition. A detailed event plan has been developed by Marta Zielińska, the Deputy Director at PAIH.
Adam Mickiewicz University will be represented at the Expo by nine students from the Japanese Studies program at the Institute of Oriental Studies. Dr. Yuki Horie, the trip's coordinator, discussed the students’ involvement during a press meeting. They will depart at the beginning of April for a six-month internship at the Expo, selected through a competitive process. Their roles will include visitor services and participation in planned events, with funding provided by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in cooperation with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.
Poland has prepared a national pavilion of nearly 1,000 m², located in the thematic zone "Saving Life."
The World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will be held on Yumeshima Island, which is constructed in Osaka Bay. The organizers expect attendees from 161 countries and regions, along with nine international organizations. The event will last until October 13, 2025, and is anticipated to attract over 28 million visitors.
More information about Poland's presence at EXPO 2025 in Japan can be found on https://expo.gov.pl/en/.
photo by Przemysław Stanula & Władysław Gardasz
