NEB goes to Osaka: Shaping Urban Futures: Design, Technology & Democracy

The event “NEB goes to Osaka: Shaping Urban Futures: Design, Technology & Democracy” explores how architecture and urban planning can support democracy, resilience, and social cohesion, addressing global challenges like urban demographic changes, and leveraging local intelligence to create systemic shifts. 

• Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
• Time: 15:00-17:30 (JST) | 08:00-10:30 (CEST)
• Where:
  • In person: European Union Pavilion, World EXPO 2025, Osaka, Japan
  • Online: Livestreamed via Webex
• Languages: English | Japanese

Featuring a keynote address by European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, a panel discussion with leading experts, and an audience Q&A, the session will highlight smart and innovative strategies for strengthening communities, and enhancing liveability, economic opportunities, and connectivity for all citizens. An informal reception will provide space for networking and further exchanges. 

The panel will feature:

• Dr. Mark Boden, Acting Head, Territorial Development Unit, Joint Research Centre European Commission, EU
• Professor Gi-Hyoug Cho, Department of Civil Urban Earth and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
• Dr. Mervi Hämälainen, Sustainable Smart City Development, Espoo City, Finland
• Assistant Professor Seungho Park-Lee, Department of Design, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Korea
• Junior Professor Yusuke Yabutani, Department of Art and Design, University of Toyama, Japan 

The floor will also be open for an audience Q&A, both online and on-site.

An informal reception will follow for networking and further exchange.

Stay tuned for the full speaker lineup and the link to the livestream!

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