As the Osaka Expo drew to a close, the World Expo Museum and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) jointly hosted a high-level dialogue event titled "Empowering the Future: Women at Expo" at the Women's Pavilion of the Osaka Expo on the afternoon of October 7th. The event aimed to leverage the platform of the World Expo to promote global awareness of women's empowerment and inclusive development, and to explore how women can contribute to shaping a sustainable future society through innovation and collaboration.
Osaka World Expo
The high-level dialogue event "Empowering the Future: Women at Expo"
"The World Expo, with a history of more than 170 years, has always seen the active presence of women since its inception. It has not only witnessed the process of women gradually being seen, recognized and respected through their own efforts, but also provided a platform for women to showcase their achievements," said Liu Wentao, director of the World Expo Museum, in his opening speech.
Looking ahead, what kind of platform can the World Expo provide for "her power"? What can it do to promote a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future society? With these questions in mind, the World Expo Museum and the Bureau International des Expositions jointly planned and organized this dialogue event.
Liu Wentao, director of the World Expo Museum, delivered an opening speech
This event was not only a significant presence for the World Expo Museum during the Expo, but also a contemporary continuation and deepening of the World Expo's long-standing tradition of respecting, showcasing, and empowering women. Nearly 100 people, including representatives of Osaka Expo exhibitors, Expo experts and scholars, business leaders, university students, and visitor representatives, gathered to participate in the event.
"Empowering the Future: Women at Expo" poster
The dialogue session was moderated by Mayuko Sano, Professor at Kyoto University and founder of the World Expo Studies Society. Guests included Jun Miyaji, President and CEO of Cartier Japan; Laurie Peters, General Representative of the Canada Pavilion; Julie Endy, General Representative of the Liberia Pavilion; Maureen Smith, General Representative of the Jamaica Pavilion; and Yuko Hasegawa, curator of the "Silent Forest" art project at the Osaka World Expo and former Director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, each sharing their experiences, insights, and visions based on their own involvement in World Expos.
The high-level dialogue event "Empowering the Future: Women at Expo"
Yuko Hasegawa, curator of the "Silent Forest" art project at the Osaka Expo and former director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, has spent many years as a curator and researcher at the museum, where she has curated several international projects. She aims to promote the engagement of female artists with important issues. Through curating, I hope to rediscover important and forgotten female artists while also focusing on the development of young artists.
Laurie Peters, Chief Representative of the Canada Pavilion, introduced the monthly dialogue series focusing on women at this Expo. These dialogues bring together numerous female representatives to share their stories and highlight their strength and potential. Julie Ndi, Chief Representative of the Liberian Pavilion, stated that women's voices need to be heard in the public sphere, where everyone participates. "We are pursuing substantive equality and truly promoting comprehensive progress for women in decision-making, participation, and the protection of their rights."
Dimitri Kerkentzis, Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), spoke highly of the Women's Pavilion and the dialogue. He stated that since the establishment of the first Women's Pavilion at the Vienna World Expo in 1873, women's voices, leadership, and activism have continuously written the story of World Expos. The role of women in World Expos is not only etched in history but also has a bearing on our future.
Osaka Expo Women's Pavilion
The Osaka Expo's Women's Pavilion, building on the legacy of the Women's Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, aims to highlight the vital role women play in driving global progress, promoting equality, and leading the next generation. The pavilion's architecture repurposes the exterior of the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Designed by Yuko Nagayama, the white structure comprises a series of metal structures inspired by Japanese wood construction and the traditional art of origami. Through the unique life stories of three women from different regions, ages, and backgrounds, the pavilion showcases the immense vitality and potential of women.
Osaka World Expo
Expo 2025 Osaka aims to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Gender equality, as a key component of the SDGs, is a core pillar of social development, economic progress, and environmental sustainability. The World Expo Museum actively supports this Expo's mission, promoting discussions and exchanges on sustainable development through exhibitions and events.
