Kranj Successfully at Expo 2025 in Osaka

The City of Kranj, together with the Olympic Committee of Slovenia and the Photographic Association of Slovenia, was the only representative from Slovenia at the TEAM EXPO pavilion at the prestigious world exhibition in Japan.

 

The City of Kranj, in cooperation with Artkontakt Studio Bast, the Olympic Committee of Slovenia (OKS), and the Photographic Association of Slovenia (FZS), has made it to the world-renowned Expo 2025 in Osaka in strong international competition. At the Future Life Village exhibition area within the Team Expo pavilion, they presented the project Inspiring Solutions for Sustainable Communities.

 

In November 2024, the City of Kranj (MOK) successfully presented the project and materials, prepared jointly under the professional guidance of Artkontakt Studio Bast and the two organizations – FZS and OKS – to the TEAM EXPO organizers. Based on this, FZS launched a photography contest, which will continue until the conclusion of the Expo. A short film and digital books also showcase sports and athletes proposed for the project by OKS.

 

In a demanding selection process, Kranj competed alongside numerous larger countries for a spot at the prestigious exhibition. The expert committee selected 57 projects from 16 countries, now being presented at Expo 2025 Osaka under the thematic framework The Future of the Earth and Biodiversity.

 

“EXPO Osaka is an opportunity to present Slovenia as a country of sustainable solutions, innovation, and rich heritage. With our participation, we are strengthening the visibility of our cities, sports, and culture, while also raising awareness about climate challenges and sustainable development. In a few days, we will also sign a twinning agreement with the Japanese city of Fukui. The materials we prepared for Expo 2025 naturally include Fukui and our shared journey of further cooperation,” said Matjaž Rakovec, Mayor of the City of Kranj, in the Team Expo pavilion in Osaka. The project of MOK was also supported by the presence and address of the Slovenian Ambassador to Japan, Jurij Rifelj.

 

Kranj as a Good Practice Example

 

The partner project, the only one from Slovenia at Team Expo 2025, connects decarbonisation, biodiversity, sport, and photography, showcasing good practices developed by Kranj and its partners for a higher-quality, healthier, and more resilient community – from smart mobility and digital services to new green spaces and awareness-raising.

 

Key focuses of the project include:

  • Smart and low-carbon mobility: digital solutions for residents, promoting active mobility, and reducing emissions.

  • Kranj’s infrastructure: creating and renovating green spaces, improving living conditions, and protecting natural and cultural heritage as well as underground biodiversity.

  • Community initiatives for water and nature: networking NGOs, schools, experts, and media for water ecosystem protection and raising awareness of the importance of drinking water.

  • International context: transferring good practices, cooperating with European and local partners, and participating in programs for climate-neutral and smart cities.

 

The final multimedia presentation in Osaka included a digital book in English and Japanese, a short presentation film, and a dedicated website. Visitors at the venue could also vote in the photography competition Voices for a Sustainable Future, selecting the best works on the themes of water, biodiversity, and sustainability.

 

The City of Kranj also issued a limited number of printed copies of the digital book: 89 pages, inspiring photographs by Slovenian authors, and texts in both English and Japanese. This further confirms Kranj’s status as a green city, committed to strengthening this pledge as one of the 112 cities in the Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030.

 

More Information

  • Project website is available at this link.

  • Video: INSPIRING SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 持続可能なコミュニティのためのインスパイアリングな解決策

  • E-book Green Cities for Life: Connecting Decarbonisation, Biodiversity, Sport, and Photography (English) is available at this link.

  • E-book Green Cities for Life: Connecting Decarbonisation, Biodiversity, Sport, and Photography (Japanese) is available at this link.

  • Link to the photography competition / voting: Voices for a Sustainable Future – Visitors’ Choice Awards.

« Back to news list