Osaka: Visitors to Expo 2025, a world fair currently taking place in Osaka, Japan, have expressed appreciation for the positive vision of a shared global future promoted by the United Nations, according to Naomi Ichikawa, Director of the UN Pavilion. The pavilion offers an exploration of the UN’s 80-year history in advancing peace, human rights, sustainable development, and climate action, highlighting the organization’s impact on global lives.
According to United Nations, the pavilion is divided into four exhibit zones. The first zone covers the UN’s 80-year history, showcasing key milestones and the evolving relationship between Japan and the UN. The third zone features an immersive movie that envisions a sustainable future achievable through collective effort, emphasizing that such a future is not automatic but possible through collaboration. The final part of the pavilion is a special exhibition zone highlighting the work of different UN entities on a weekly basis.
Naomi Ichikawa emphasized the importance of the UN’s presence at Expo, noting that while many Japanese are aware of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they often don’t understand how to contribute to these goals or recognize the UN’s role in actualizing them globally. With 160 countries participating, the Expo provides a platform for showcasing cultures, and the UN plays a unique role in encouraging international collaboration and multilateralism to achieve peace and sustainability.
Ichikawa noted the significance of the pavilion’s message amidst global divisions and anxiety over political, environmental, and other challenges. The UN Pavilion aims to educate visitors on these issues and present solutions, fostering understanding of the UN’s contributions to solving global problems. Many visitors are reportedly inspired by the range of work the UN engages in, leaving with a deeper connection to its mission.
The immersive video, which envisions a hopeful future through collaboration, has particularly resonated with visitors, some of whom have been moved to tears. Ichikawa highlighted the surprise and engagement of visitors, especially meeting a Japanese national working for the UN, which helps bridge the gap between the organization and the public.
Ichikawa reflected on the Expo’s relevance, noting the unique opportunity it provides to experience diverse cultures in person, contrasting with the digital information available online. Initially met with skepticism over costs, Japanese visitors have recognized the value of firsthand cultural exchange. The timing of Expo 2025 is deemed crucial, offering a platform to promote a better world founded on equality, dignity, peace, and harmony with nature, as the UN seeks to share this vision with visitors until the Expo concludes in mid-October.