The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), in collaboration with the World Expo Museum, hosteda dialogueeventtitled "Empowering the Future: Women and Expos" at the Women's Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka on October 7,2025.

　　This event aims to bring together a diverse group of women involved in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai to explore the roles and impact of women within the framework of Expos. Its main objective is to highlight the significant contributions made by women in Expos, and particularly in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, explore women’s empowerment through Expos and formulate actionable strategies for the future.

　　The panel first look at specific initiatives that have emerged during Expo 2025 Kansai and the outcomes produced. It then discusses strategies that could further promote women’s involvement and ensure the continuity and expansion of women’s initiatives in future Expos.

　　The programme commenced with opening remarks delivered by the Director of World Expo Museum (WEM), Ms Liu Wentao.“Looking ahead, what kind of platform can the World Expo build for ‘her power’? What can it do to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future society? With these questions in mind, the World Expo Museum, in collaboration with the Bureau International des Expositions, has planned and organized today’s event.”

　　Following this, a seated panel will feature four to five speakers guided by a moderator. Each panellist will have two opportunities to address the audience: first, to share their personal contributions, and then to participate in a forward-looking discussion about strategies and aspirations for the future.

　　The event concluded with closing remarks from the Secretary General of the BIE, Mr Dimitri Kerkentzes. He stated that since the first Women's Pavilion at the 1873 Vienna World Expo, women's voices, leadership, and actions have continued to inscribe the story of the World Expo. The role of women in the Expo is not only engraved in history but is also crucial for our future.

　　Following this, a seated panel featured five speakers guided by a moderator. Each panellist had two opportunities to address the audience: first, to share their personal contributions, and then to participate in a forward-looking discussion about strategies and aspirations for the future.

　　The female representatives include：

　　Moderator:

　　Mayuko Sano,

Professor, Kyoto University, Representative, Society for Expo-logy

　　Speakers

June Miyachi

President & CEO of Cartier Japan

　　"The Women's Pavilion at this World Expo focuses more on individual narratives, allowing visitors to connect with specific segments of the stories. The Women's Pavilion has already welcomed over 400,000 visitors and hosted more than 200 conferences. Through exhibitions, dialogues, and events, we have sown many 'seeds.' The charm of the World Expo lies in bringing together diverse voices and strengths, and we continue to move forward together on this journey."

Laurie Peters

Commissioner General of Canada at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

　　"The Canada Pavilion at this World Expo has launched a monthly dialogue series focusing on women, bringing together numerous female representatives each month to share women's stories and highlight their strength and potential. It is believed that when the whole society collaborates and strives together, we will create a better future."

Queen Juli Endee

Commissioner General of Liberia at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

　　"Our voices need to reach the public sphere where everyone participates. What we pursue is substantive equality, genuinely advancing women's progress in all aspects such as decision-making, participation, and rights protection. We hope that future World Expos will continue to provide women with opportunities to engage in various discussions."

Maureen Smith

Commissioner General of Jamaicaat Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

　　"The change we envision truly begins at home – how we educate our children, teaching them to appreciate all things, respect both women and men, and value the worth of every individual. I believe this transformation will influence the next generation, passing down through the ages until genuine human equality is achieved. This is precisely the direction in which we should strive."

Yuko Hasegawa

Curator and art historian，

Curator of the Forest of Tranquility Installation at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

　　"I previously served as a curator at a museum and engaged in research for many years, during which I organized several international projects. I aspire to promote the participation of female artists in important discussions. Through curation, I aim to rediscover those significant women artists who have been overlooked, while also supporting the growth of young artists—this is truly fascinating."

　　Since its inception, the World Expo has consistently served as a global stage for humanity to showcase progress and envision the future. The upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gender equality, as a crucial component of the SDGs, represents a core pillar for social development, economic progress, and environmental sustainability. The World Expo Museum actively aligns with this mission by promoting discussions and exchanges on sustainable development through exhibitions and events.

　　The Women's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is jointly launched by the Cabinet Office of Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, and Cartier Japan. Building upon the legacy of the Women's Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, it aims to highlight the vital role women play in driving global progress, promoting equality, and inspiring the next generation. The pavilion's structure repurposes the exterior of the Japan Pavilion from Expo 2020 Dubai. Designed by Yuko Nagayama, the white building features a series of metal components inspired by traditional Japanese wooden joinery and the art of origami packaging. Inside the pavilion, the unique life stories of three women from diverse regions, ages, and backgrounds are shared, showcasing the immense vitality and potential of women.