Osaka Expo opens global stage for Vanuatu

April 15, 2025 10:03 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Compiled by Ezra Toara.

Vanuatu has officially opened its Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, offering visitors a chance to connect with a nation where land, sea, and spirit shape everyday life.

As part of the official opening of Expo 2025, the Vanuatu delegation, led by the Commissioner General for Vanuatu at Expo 2025 Osaka and Director of External Trade, Joe Lui Pakoa, proudly participated in the official opening ceremony held on Saturday, 12 April.

The event was a celebration of Japanese culture, blending tradition with modern creativity through a spectacular show of music, dance, and innovation. The ceremony featured welcoming remarks from the Prime Minister of Japan, who called for unity in a world facing growing divisions, followed by a heartfelt address from His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, who shared his hope that the Expo would inspire all participants to respect their own lives, the lives of others, and all forms of life. This global gathering is one in which Vanuatu is proud to take part.

Commissioner General Pakoa said to Pavilion staff: “This Expo will be an exciting time and a journey of 184 days which begins today. We’re here to represent and share who we are — not just what we export or where we’re from, but how we see and learn to build the future society of Vanuatu, reflecting on the Expo theme. The Pavilion gives us a space to connect with the world in our context and to share the beauty of our uniqueness and authenticity.”

Joanna Spencer, Vice Commissioner and Acting General Manager of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), spoke of the opportunities for trade and business: “The Pavilion is opening doors for Vanuatu’s producers and exporters, while also putting a spotlight on tourism and foreign investment. It’s giving our businesses direct visibility on a global platform and inviting the world to see Vanuatu as a trusted partner for trade and development.”

Martin David, International Relations Lead for Expo, shared his enthusiasm for what lies ahead: “Standing alongside countries from all around the world, this is a powerful moment for Vanuatu. We’re not just here to take part — we’re here to be seen, to be heard, and to build new relationships that continue long after the Expo ends.”

Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to welcome over 20 million visitors during its six-month duration — offering Vanuatu an unmatched opportunity for visibility, connection, and global exchange.

David Patunvanu, Pavilion Manager, added: “This Pavilion is just a taste of what Vanuatu holds. It’s impossible to capture everything — the depth of our cultures, the diversity of our islands, the strength of our people — but we hope this experience leaves visitors curious and inspired to discover more.”

Vanuatu begins its stories as it opens itself to the world as a place where community comes first, where traditions are alive and evolving, and where the rhythm of nature guides everything from farming to festivals. Spread across 83 islands and one of the largest ocean spaces in the Pacific, Vanuatu carries the stories of ancient cultures, bold ideas, and a deep respect for people and place.

At Expo 2025, the Vanuatu Pavilion invites guests to see the country through its own lens — from interactive displays and creative products to climate initiatives and cultural practices. The exhibition echoes the voices of resilient hearts and empowered lives, representing the strength of its people.

The Pavilion is the result of a collaborative effort between government, the private sector, and communities. Designed and prepared over many months, it reflects what Vanuatu values most: authenticity, resilience, and connection.

The Pavilion will host events, performances, and exchanges throughout the six-month Expo, with space for cultural showcases, product launches, and international business engagement.

For Ni-Vanuatu across the islands and around the world, the Pavilion represents a national presence on a global platform. For Expo visitors in Osaka, it’s a rare opportunity to experience Vanuatu firsthand — to learn, to connect, and to be inspired.