Czechia as a country of high-quality education: Czech Pavilion will host a mission for university rectors
The Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (DZS) is now involved in the preparation of the Czech participation in the prestigious world exhibition EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan. As part of the "Study in Czechia" initiative, DZS will provide support to Charles University Innovations Prague (CUIP), the main coordinator of the Czech education participation. Together, they will showcase the Czech education system as modern and competitive. They will also organize a networking mission for university rectors, providing them with a unique opportunity to promote inter-university cooperation and engage in international dialogue on current issues in the internationalisation of education.
On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Prague, DZS Director Michal Uhl and Czech Commissioner General Ondřej Soška ceremoniously signed a memorandum of cooperation between DZS and the Office of the Commissioner General for EXPO 2025. The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation between Czech and Japanese universities and research centres, introduce Czech regions to the wider international public, and showcase significant educational institutions, thereby increasing interest in Czechia as an attractive destination for study and inter-university cooperation.
"This is the sixth time that Czechia has participated in the World EXPO as an independent state. It is a great opportunity to present ourselves as a country with a rich history and an innovative approach to education. As a nation of talent and creativity, which is also the theme of the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025, starting next April in Osaka, Japan. I consider the representation of higher education, science, and research to be a key component of the Czech national presentation, and I firmly believe that, thanks to the cooperation with DZS and CUIP, the participation of Czech universities will be substantial and successful,” said Ondřej Soška, Czech Commissioner General at EXPO 2025.
DZS Director Michal Uhl added: “An event of this magnitude, such as EXPO, allows the delegation of universities to present Czechia as a confident, competitive country and an educational hub in Central Europe. I believe that this journey will help achieve the goals of our universities and support a high level of internationalisation and its benefits for management, academic staff, students, and ultimately society as a whole. Through the cooperation of educational institutions, we can build bridges between nations, leading to discoveries and innovations.”
“EXPO 2025 in Japan presents an opportunity for Czech universities to showcase both our history and traditions, as well as new and dynamic approaches. I welcome the chance to present our higher education as open to the world, with great future potential,” said Milena Králíčková, Rector of Charles University and Chair of the Czech Rectors Conference.
EXPO 2025 will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, with the central theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." One of the 26 EXPO weeks will focus on education, from July 21 to July 23, featuring the event "Education in the 21st Century: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation in Education." As part of its "Study in Czechia" initiative, the DZS will use this platform to organise a delegation of Czech university rectors, who will have the opportunity to establish partnerships with Japanese universities. They will also try to provide the universities with an opportunity to meet with their international alumni in the region. “This is a unique opportunity to network with alumni of Czech universities and to establish economic, cultural, and diplomatic cooperation,” said Soňa Lippmann, Head of the Communication and Analytical Section of DZS.
In Osaka, Czechia will present not only what the Japanese know and admire, such as Czech glass and classical music, but also Czech innovations, nanotechnology, promising startups, and regional talents. The Czech National Pavilion, in the shape of a glass spiral, will feature a modern wooden CLT structure and an artistic glass facade. It will offer a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, a restaurant, a business lounge, and a relaxation area with a sea view.
Czech National Agency for International Education and Research DZS is an organisation under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports. Its core activities include managing programs focused on international education and promoting Czech education abroad. More information about DZS activities can be found at www.dzs.cz. For more information about the Study in Czechia initiative, visit www.studyin.cz or www.studyin.cz/alumni.
The Office of the Commissioner General for EXPO 2025 The Office of the Commissioner General is responsible for all preparations for Czechia's participation in world exhibitions (World EXPO). Ondřej Soška has served as Czech Commissioner General since September 2022, when he won the Ministry of Foreign Affairs selection process with his concept and theme “Talent and Creativity for Life.” Since January 2023, the Office of the Commissioner General has been part of the Czech Centres. More information can be found on the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 website.
