Azerbaijan Unveils National Pavilion at Opening of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
Osaka, The Gulf Observer: The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, themed “Designing the Future Society for Our Lives,” has officially opened in Osaka, Japan, marking a major global gathering dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes, alongside high-level international delegations from around the world.
Azerbaijan, a consistent and active participant in World Expo events since 2000, reaffirmed its strong commitment to global engagement with the inauguration of its national pavilion at Expo 2025. The pavilion, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Center, stands prominently within the “Connecting Lives” thematic zone of the exhibition.
The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Anar Alakbarov, Azerbaijan’s Commissioner General for Expo 2025 and Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center. He was joined by Shimzi Izumi, Azerbaijan’s Country Manager for Expo 2025, Ambassador Gursel Ismayilzade, and other dignitaries and officials.
The Azerbaijani national pavilion, themed “Seven Bridges for Sustainability,” draws inspiration from the renowned 12th-century poet Nizami Ganjavi’s “Seven Beauties.” It presents a visionary integration of cultural heritage, modern technology, and sustainable development goals, underlining Azerbaijan’s dedication to international dialogue and cooperation.
The three-story pavilion features a striking facade adorned with “shebeke” patterns—traditional Azerbaijani stained glass motifs that symbolize the nation’s intricate artistry and craftsmanship. Inside, visitors embark on an immersive journey through seven thematic zones, each representing one of the “Seven Beauties.” These include cultural diversity, cultural heritage, traditional arts, architectural treasures, sustainable development, natural resources, and the spheres of sports and tourism.
A distinctive element of the pavilion is the inclusion of three symbolic trees: the “Azerbaijan Tree,” the “Japan Tree,” and the “Friendship Tree”—a unique botanical symbol of unity and cooperation between the two nations.
Expo 2025, spread across 155 hectares, brings together 165 countries and seven international organizations. With an anticipated 28 million visitors expected by the close of the exhibition on October 13, it offers a dynamic platform for cultural exchange, innovation sharing, and global cooperation.
Azerbaijan’s participation at Expo 2025 underscores its vision for a sustainable and interconnected future, while celebrating its enduring heritage and strengthening ties with the global community.
