Evolving World Expositions - Why “Dialogue” Now? - Historical changes in World Expositions (from countries to companies and then to citizens-oriented) - Case study of successful interactive programs at Expo 2020 Dubai - New roles for World Expositions in the modern era    The Evolving World Expo: Why ‘Dialogue’ Now? *Inheriting from Expo 2020 Dubai, the Challenge of ‘Theme Weeks’ at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan*  

How do you imagine an ‘expo’?  

You might envision seeing the technology of the future, experiencing the cultures of various countries, and exploring many interesting buildings. This is a common image many people have.   However, at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, we will introduce something a little different: an initiative called ‘Theme Weeks.’ Through more than 300 programmes, people from all over the world will come together to discuss and tackle global issues.   Historical Evolution of World Expositions   The history of World Expositions is long, dating back to the Great Exhibition in London in 1851—174 years ago. At that time, World Expositions served as venues where countries competed to showcase their latest technologies to visitors. Each country displayed its most impressive products, proclaiming, “Look at our country’s amazing technology!” or “Our culture is superior!”   During the first World Exposition, around 604 million people visited the Crystal Palace, a remarkable structure showcasing industrial and artistic products from across the globe, capturing public interest amid the Industrial Revolution.   A century later, in 1970, the first Osaka Expo took place in Japan, attracting more than 64 million visitors. Until the Shanghai Expo in 2010, it remained the most visited Expo in history.

The theme of the Osaka Expo was "Progress and Harmony for Mankind.” This event aimed not only to showcase technological advancements but also to address the potential problems they could cause—such as environmental damage and humanitarian issues—and explore solutions for achieving harmonious progress.   At this Expo, companies from around the world showcased their innovative technologies. Visitors were captivated by the moon rocks brought back by Apollo 11 and pavilions that offered glimpses into future lifestyles. They harbored dreams and aspirations for what lay ahead. During this period, the Expo transformed into a venue led by companies showcasing their latest technologies and visions for the future.    A New Direction for World Expositions   Now, the World Expo is on the verge of another transformation.   It will adopt a new format: a World Expo that serves as a platform where everyone on the planet can collaborate to address global challenges. Rather than being led by countries or companies, the upcoming Expo will be citizen-led, encouraging participation from individuals around the world as global citizens.   The Dubai Expo, held from October 2021, welcomed 24.1 million in-person visitors and engaged 248 million online. It utilized online technology to create a format that allowed global participation without the need for travel. The Expo theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” included ten different themed weeks focused on:   1. Climate ＆ Biodiversity 2. Space 3. Urban ＆ Rural Development 4. Tolerance ＆ Inclusivity 5. Knowledge ＆ Learning 6. Travel ＆ Connectivity 7. Global Goals 8. Health ＆ Wellness 9. Food, Agriculture & Livelihoods 10. Water   These initiatives marked a significant departure from previous World Expos by taking advantage of the gathering of diverse participants over six months. Events centered around Theme Weeks aimed to address societal issues, including the SDGs, and take place both within and outside the venue. The outcomes from Theme Weeks are anticipated to be archived as a legacy once the Expo concludes, serving as an opportunity for business innovation.   This new format, which emphasizes dialogue as a method for solving global issues, will continue at Expo Osaka, Kansai, in 2025.   The Necessity of Dialogue Today   “Many of today’s global problems cannot be tackled by a single country or company alone,” states Masaru Ishikawa, Expo Site Operation Producer of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. For instance, global warming cannot be resolved by any one nation alone. Protecting the Earth requires cooperation among countries worldwide. Other pressing global concerns, such as food shortages, poverty, and human rights, also necessitate dialogue and discussion.  

The Significance and Legacy of the Theme Weeks  

The Theme Weeks serve three essential roles:  

1. Legacy: Expo Osaka, Kansai will inherit the legacy by taking over the excellent Theme Weeks, which are projects that demonstrate the true role of Expo as a solution-oriented Expo, which began at Expo 2020 Dubai.

2. Global dialogue:Because the Expo is a place where the world gathers for six months, it is possible for the world to have a thorough dialogue. By listening to even the smallest voices, it becomes a place for global consensus building. 3. Co-creation in the business sector: Modern-day World Expos are a stage for economic diplomacy. It is hoped that creating partnerships to solve issues through business action will lead to the realisation of a better future.

Theme Weeks: Open to Everyone   Theme Weeks feature regular discussions centered around various themes. Participation is free, and you can join in person at the venue or participate online from home. Language barriers are not an issue, as there will be an interpretation system in place, allowing you to connect with people from around the globe.   The message of Theme Weeks is powerful: “We can change the world, too.” Even the smallest voices can combine to create significant impact. In 2025, we will see a new format for the World Expo held here in Osaka.   Written by: Theme Weeks PR Office  Published on: February 28, 2025