Shaping a Better World: UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 Japan

Visitors to Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, walk around the grand ring which circles the event space.

How can we build a fairer, more peaceful world while safeguarding the planet? That’s the powerful question at the heart of the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

The UN is participating alongside more than 150 countries and organizations at the global gathering, which carries the forward-looking theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives.

The UN Pavilion is divided into four areas. A timeline in the first area explains the history of the UN and its agencies, while the second – the so-called "orb room" – outlines the organization’s diverse range of work through a series of everyday objects displayed on the walls.

An immersive video in the third area offers a glimpse into what a future world could look like if development proceeds sustainably, while the fourth is a rotating exhibition highlighting specific agencies.

Visitor Impressions:

Kaneko Sayaka:
“I liked the video as I felt I was in a forest surrounded by trees and animals. It showed me that protecting the environment is very important.”

Mikako Takeuchi:
“I was fully immersed in the video presentation. It was really engaging and, although it explained the problems the world faces, it also presented solutions and gave hope.”

Phil Malone:
“The message of the immersive video about sustainability and people’s rights and responsibilities toward the environment was clear and easily understandable for both young and older audiences.

“It’s difficult to explain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a short video, although I think a Japanese audience is generally knowledgeable about the goals. The SDGs are highlighted by institutions across Japan — something I’ve only seen in certain African countries where I’ve worked with agriculture-focused development organizations.”

Tomoyuki Kadokura:
“I learned a lot about the SDGs from the interactive quiz while I was queuing to enter the pavilion. In Japan, we focus more on the goals related to the environment and sustainable consumption, so I was eager to learn more about other goals — such as poverty and human rights — which don’t get as much attention here.

“I was also surprised by the number of UN agencies working on the SDGs.”

Takato Ishida:
“We learn about the SDGs in school, so many Japanese people are interested in the goals. But I didn’t realize how slow progress is in many parts of the world.

“I enjoyed the special projects section, which highlighted the role that UN volunteers play globally in supporting sustainable development.”

Agaka Sato:
“I didn’t know there were so many different UN agencies. I learned a lot about them through the interactive display of objects in the orb room.

“The touchscreen that explains the role of each agency is linked to the objects lining the walls. I think it’s fun for young children to make the connection between objects like telephones, guns, and health kits, and the work of the UN.”

Masako Yukita:
“The UN Pavilion made me reflect on the changes people need to make to contribute to the SDGs and world peace. When I return home, I’ll think more seriously about what I can do as an individual.”