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International Mental Wellbeing Conference
10.00 – 10.05
Welcoming: Marta Zielińska, Commisioner General of the Polish Section
Magdalena Nowacka, moderator

10.05 – 10.35 (2x15min.)
Czepczyński Family Foundation
Irena Ranosz-Talarek, Damian Kupczyk

"Children's Mental Health and Emotional Education in the Context of Janusz Korczak’s Concept of Paidocentrism"

The lecture will explore the concept of paidocentrism developed by renowned Polish educator Janusz Korczak, emphasizing the importance of viewing the child as a central subject in the educational process. It will also examine how emotional education contributes to the prevention of mental health disorders in children, drawing on insights from the ABC of Emotions project.

10.35 – 10.50
Diana Timofejeva

"Nature Algorithms Method and WARMSANDBOX - unique connection with nature for our physical and emotional wellbeing "

Nature speaks a universal language - one that transcends age, culture and belief. This method and WARMSANDBOX device which have been developed through decades of research, uses natural materials to elevate creativity as well as physical and emotional wellbeing. It has already helped more than 25'000 people aged from 2 months up to 92 years old.

10.50 – 11.05 (15 min.)
Medical Design Studio
Wojciech Drąg

"Design for Health: Enhancing Healing in Children’s Hospitals Through Design"

Medical Design Studio presents a visionary approach to hospital design, transforming clinical spaces into healing environments centered on human wellbeing. With a focus on children’s hospitals, we create imaginative, stress-reducing interiors that support recovery through color, storytelling, and interaction. At Expo 2025 Osaka, we showcase how empathetic, evidence-based design can reshape the future of healthcare—making hospitals more comforting, engaging, and effective for patients of all ages.

11.05 – 11.35 (30 min.)
Medical University of Gdańsk
Wiesław J. Cubała, Division of Psychiatry
Marcin Fijałkowski, M.D., Ph.D., 1st Department of Cardiology
Moderator: Agnieszka Anielska, Ph.D.

"First, Do No Harm. Second, Don’t Burn Out"

Well-being in the broad sense is one of the essential components of motivation for everyday work, regardless of whether it takes place at the patient's bedside or in an advanced laboratory where new medicinal substances are tested. Similarly to the case of an oxygen mask, to effectively help others, you have to take care of yourself. During the expert debate, we want not only to share our experiences, but above all to draw attention to this challenge, which concerns healthcare workers and broadly understood helping professions worldwide, because they play a vital role in securing a wide range of social needs.

11.35 – 12.35
The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity Foundation
Jerzy Owsiak

Good morning Japan! Welcome straight from Poland. Far away? It only seems so to you. Welcome to the Polish carnival in the middle of winter.

Jurek Owsiak calls himself 'an observer of marvels and transient things'. He is a music journalist, broadcaster and writer. He is also the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation and initiator of the charitable collection known nationwide (and internationally too!) as the Grand Finale. Jurek is also the promoter and mastermind behind the massive Pol'and'Rock Festival (previously known as Woodstock Festival Poland).

【Reflection】

The International Mental Wellbeing Conference, organized by the Republic of Poland, brought together educators, designers, psychiatrists, and foundation leaders to explore mental health across age groups and disciplines. The program opened with welcoming remarks from Marta Zielińska, Commissioner General of the Polish Section, and moderator Magdalena Nowacka.

The first session, led by Irena Ranosz-Talarek and Damian Kupczyk from the Czepczyński Family Foundation, focused on children’s mental health and emotional education. Drawing on the legacy of Janusz Korczak and his concept of paidocentrism—the child as the center of education—they emphasized the preventive role of emotional literacy, referencing their “ABC of Emotions” initiative.

Next, Diana Timofejeva introduced the Nature Algorithms Method and the WARMSANDBOX—a therapeutic, multisensory device using natural elements to support emotional and physical wellbeing across ages. Her approach has benefited over 25,000 individuals, connecting users with nature’s universal language.

Wojciech Drąg from Medical Design Studio presented on human-centered healthcare architecture. Focusing on children’s hospitals, he demonstrated how color, play, and storytelling can transform clinical spaces into stress-reducing, healing environments, showcasing design solutions exhibited at Expo 2025.

In a powerful panel, Prof. Wiesław J. Cubała and Dr. Marcin Fijałkowski of the Medical University of Gdańsk discussed burnout and self-care among healthcare professionals. They emphasized that wellbeing is vital for sustaining the ability to help others—a theme summed up by the metaphor of putting on one’s own oxygen mask first.

Finally, Jerzy Owsiak, founder of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, delivered an uplifting address blending music, culture, and philanthropy. Known for mobilizing national charity and organizing the Pol’and’Rock Festival, Owsiak called for connection and joy—even across vast distances—as a cornerstone of collective mental wellbeing.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】

Here’s an enhanced summary of Poland’s Post-Expo Initiatives, based on the activities showcased at Expo 2025 Jakarta and the International Mental Wellbeing Conference:

Healing‑Centred Design Expansion

Medical Design Studio’s Expo showcase included real-world projects in Poland—like Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, Poznań’s Rehabilitation Center, and child-friendly CT rooms in Zielona Góra—all using empathetic, evidence-based design to enhance healing environments . Post-Expo, these design principles are being scaled and promoted within Poland’s pediatric care infrastructure.

Mental Wellbeing Advocacy via WOŚP

The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP) used the Expo platform to highlight "Mental Wellbeing as a Primary Goal for the Care of Future Generations,” sharing its community-focused health initiatives and fostering international awareness. This continues its mission of emotional wellness through global volunteer networks and youth engagement.

Academic & Cultural Exchange

Poland initiated academic delegations—such as visits by Medical University of Gdańsk faculty to Japanese institutions like Toho University—building international collaborations in mental health research and education. This paves the way for ongoing joint projects beyond the Expo.

Internship & Youth Leadership Programmes

The Pavilion launched a six-month internship for students from top Polish universities in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. These “Young Ambassadors” helped run the Pavilion, fostering Polish-Japanese cultural and academic ties.

Polish Presidency of EU Mental Health Agenda

Building on themes raised at the Expo conference, Poland’s 2025 EU Council Presidency advanced youth mental health in digital environments. It facilitated the “Closer Together” youth co-creation conference in Gdynia and championed Council Conclusions prioritizing cross-sectoral action in digital mental healthcare.