At the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, ASEAN presents a pavilion themed “Building Bridges”—a reflection of the region’s commitment to connection, cooperation, and shared progress. Framed within the broader Expo theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the pavilion will run from 13 April to 13 October 2025.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, attended the World Expo 2025 Osaka Opening Ceremony and toured the ASEAN Pavilion on 13 April 2025.
Themed ‘Building Bridges,’ the pavilion showcases the multifaceted work of ASEAN, offering associated entities, centres, and partners with a platform to promote their efforts in advancing sustainable development across the region.
In his address, SG Dr. Kao underscored collaboration in pursuit of the common good serves as the foundational cornerstone upon which we can build a brighter future. Representatives of the ASEAN Member States and Timor- Leste Pavilions as well as the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo were in attendance. 2025 heralds ASEAN’s second participation in the World Expo.
Speaking at a press conference held at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters on 9 April 2025, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs and Commissioner- General for the ASEAN Secretariat at the Expo, Nararya Soeprapto, described the Expo as a vital platform for global collaboration.
“The World Expo, administered by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), serves as a crucial platform for nations to collaborate on addressing global challenges. ASEAN’s presence underscores our commitment to a more integrated, resilient, and people-centered region.”
DSG Nararya also noted that the ASEAN Pavilion will highlight regional cooperation initiatives, cultural and musical performances, and interactive features such as the ASEAN Trail Challenge. The event coincides with a milestone year for the region as ASEAN prepares to adopt its Vision 2045.
“We are also excited to commemorate the 58th ASEAN Day on August 8, both here in Jakarta and in Osaka, as we celebrate the enduring friendship between ASEAN and Japan,” he added.
ASEAN’s participation in the World Expo is supported through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). DSG Nararya expressed the Secretariat’s gratitude to Japan for its continued support, noting that ASEAN’s presence at the Expo embodies the spirit of “wa” (harmony) and “ikigai” (purpose), values that align with ASEAN’s long-standing principles of community and cooperation.
“With the support of our associated entities, centres, and stakeholders, we strive to make the ASEAN Pavilion a beacon of collaboration and innovation,” he said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Kiya Masahiko of Japan welcomed ASEAN’s participation and encouraged Southeast Asian visitors to take this opportunity to experience both the Expo and the wider cultural landscape of Japan.
“It is an opportunity for the world to come together in one place under the theme of life. We hope that the Expo will foster the exchange of diverse values from around the world, encourage new connections and creations, overcome global challenges, and safeguard each and every life. By reflecting on the essence of life and how we live, we hope to make it an Expo that presents a vision of hope for the future,” he said.
https://asean.org/experience-the-asean-pavilion/
https://asean.org/secretary-general-of-asean-officiates-asean-pavilion-at-world-expo-2025-in-osaka/
