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SESSION I - Resilient settlements – national approach in Japan and Croatia
Welcome speech：Ms. Dunja MAGAŠ, State Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, Croatia
Keynote speech： Prof. Haruo HAYASHI, President of the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, Japan
Central Government Policy, System and Law：Prof. Satoru NISHIKAWA, JICA Senior Advisor for Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and Recovery, Japan
Physical Planning Information System – an Overview：Ms. Sunčana HABRUN, Head of Sector, Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, Croatia
Management of Croatia's protected urban heritage sites in the digital age：Mr. Aljoša ŠPALETA, Deputy Project Manager, Ministry of Culture and Media, Croatia
SESSION II - Resilient settlements – local sollutions in Japan and Croatia
Tbd. Prof. Masahiko MURATA, Specially Appointed Professor, Kansai
International University, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
How to work at UNESCO World Heritage
sites：Ms. Jelka TEPŠIĆ, Deputy Mayor, City of Dubrovnik, Croatia
The City of Dubrovnik and resilience Long-term processes of heritage restoration：Ms. Mihaela SKURIĆ, Director, Institute for the restoration of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatian case studies of resilient settlement development Petrinja Post-Earthquake Urban Regeneration：Ms. Ivana Katurić PhD., Director, Urbanex Ltd. Croatia
Discussion, Q&A：Moderator: Ms. Ingrid Gojević, Ministry of Physical Planning,
Construction and State Assets, Croatia

While the first session will bring an overview on how to deal and focus to policy making and activities at national level, the second will bring experience at regional and local level.

We are going to get an insight on preventive measures, the importance of early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and community education in reducing the impact of natural disasters. Challenges of Reconstruction, the difficulties of rebuilding after disasters, with an emphasis on the social, economic, and environmental considerations that affect long-term recovery, will present th Japanese approach of "build back better" and Croatian strategies for integrating local knowledge into the reconstruction process.

Collaboration and Innovation in public-private partnerships, government policies, and international collaboration contribute to communities that are more resilient. Real-world case studies highlight the role of community-led initiatives and technology in accelerating recovery.

【Reflection】

Croatia has faced significant challenges related to both natural disasters and the legacy of conflict, particularly in the context of preserving its rich cultural heritage. The 2020 Zagreb earthquake served as a major turning point, prompting urgent reassessment of the country's disaster preparedness and response, especially in urban areas where cultural assets are concentrated.

During the panel discussion, Croatian speakers shared how the earthquake exposed the vulnerability of historic buildings such as churches, museums, and public institutions. These structures, many of which date back centuries, were heavily damaged due to inadequate seismic reinforcement. In response, the Croatian government, with support from the Ministry of Culture and international partners, launched a large-scale recovery program aimed at not only restoring buildings but reimagining them for a more resilient future.

A key feature of Croatia’s recovery approach is the integration of cultural restoration with long-term urban planning. Rather than treating heritage protection and disaster recovery as separate efforts, the Croatian Ministry of Culture emphasized “revitalization through culture.” This means post-disaster reconstruction is seen as an opportunity to enhance the cultural and social life of communities while safeguarding historic identity.

Public engagement was highlighted as another central pillar. Since the earthquake, Croatia has increased its focus on disaster education and citizen involvement. Regular evacuation drills, awareness workshops, and school-based disaster preparedness programs have been introduced to create a culture of shared responsibility. This shift reflects a growing understanding that resilience is not only about infrastructure but also about fostering informed, engaged communities.

International cooperation, particularly with Japan, played an important role in shaping Croatia’s strategies. The panel emphasized how Japanese experiences with earthquake recovery and cultural heritage protection have informed Croatia’s policies. Dialogue with Japanese experts helped Croatian institutions consider how to balance structural reinforcement with the preservation of authenticity in historical buildings.

The discussion also showcased projects where communities participated in decision-making for reconstruction, ensuring that cultural heritage remained accessible and meaningful. One notable example was the restoration of earthquake-damaged churches, which became symbols of local resilience and pride. These efforts were supported by both national funding and European Union recovery mechanisms.

Croatia’s case demonstrates that disaster resilience in cities—especially those with deep historical and cultural layers—requires a holistic, inclusive, and forward-looking strategy. Rather than viewing disasters solely as crises, Croatia has begun to frame them as catalysts for cultural renewal, policy reform, and citizen empowerment.

Through a unique blend of cultural stewardship, technical innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, Croatia is developing a model for disaster-resilient urban development that integrates past, present, and future. Its efforts serve as a compelling example for other countries seeking to protect cultural identity while preparing for an increasingly uncertain world.

【Post-EXPO Initiatives】

Following the conclusion of EXPO 2025, the focus will shift towards sustaining and building upon the collaborative spirit and innovative ideas generated during the event. Key initiatives will include:

1. **Cultural Exchange Programs**: Continued promotion of cultural interaction among participating nations to foster long-term relationships and knowledge sharing, building upon the connections established during the EXPO.

2. **Community Engagement Projects**: Initiatives aimed at promoting citizen involvement and awareness will be expanded. This may involve workshops, educational programs, and local events that encourage ongoing participation in cultural and environmental initiatives.

3. **Sustainability and Innovation Strategies**: Implementing strategies inspired by new technologies and sustainable practices showcased at EXPO 2025. This includes integrating innovative solutions into urban planning and disaster resilience efforts similar to those seen in Croatia’s approach.

4. **Disaster Preparedness Enhancements**: Following lessons learned from previous crises, such as the impacts of natural disasters, a strong emphasis will be placed on improving disaster resilience in cities. This may involve developing comprehensive urban planning frameworks that prioritize both cultural preservation and strengthened infrastructure.

5. **International Collaborations**: Continued partnerships with countries that participated in the EXPO, particularly to share best practices in areas such as cultural heritage protection and disaster recovery, reflecting the successful models demonstrated.

6. **Research and Development Initiatives**: Investing in research projects and pilot programs that explore new methodologies for integrating culture with technology, enhancing urban resilience, and promoting a shared sense of responsibility among communities.

These initiatives are designed to ensure that the transformative experiences and insights gained during EXPO 2025 lead to sustainable development, cultural enrichment, and enhanced resilience in urban areas, ultimately paving the way for a more connected and proactive global community.