SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
Expos in a New Era and the Significance of Theme Weeks
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
The programme, together with the General Sponsors, explores: 'What is the significance of Theme Weeks at Expos, and what legacy from the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Theme Weeks will lead to the future?' (Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
Discussion
- Others
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
Reservations are required for this programme.
Booking typically opens with the '2-month advance lottery.' Click below for details.
* Arrive early; latecomers may not be admitted.
For more information about making a reservation to watch a programme.
Please watch the Virtual Studio if you are outside the venue.
-
Agenda2025
Organised Programme
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
- Time and
Date of
the event -
-
2025.10.12[Sun]
19:15 ～ 20:45
(Venue Open 18:45)
-
- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
The eighth and final Theme Week of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai—“SDGs + Beyond: Designing a Future Society for Our Lives ”—will culminate in a landmark panel discussion that brings this journey to a close.
The session will revisit the significance of “Theme Weeks” as an innovative approach within Expos, and explore how they can shape both present and future dialogues. Joining the discussion are official participants of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai; representatives from Expo 2020 Dubai, where Theme Weeks were first introduced; and stakeholders from Expo 2030 Riyadh, the next World Expo host. Together, they will reflect on the lessons learned, the value created through global dialogue, and the pathways toward future collaboration.
This conversation will not only consolidate the legacy of Theme Weeks at Expo 2025 but also set the stage for their continuation and evolution in Riyadh and beyond. It is an invitation to imagine how Expos can serve as platforms for meaningful exchange and collective action in a rapidly changing world. Join us for this culminating session, and be part of shaping the future of international collaboration and the next chapter of World Expos.
*Simultaneous interpretation is available in both English and Japanese. Please bring a smartphone, tablet or other internet-enabled device with earphones to listen.
Cast
Moderator
Masaru Ishikawa
Planner, Producer Osaka Kansai Expo Site Operation Producer
CEO of Think Communications, Co., Ltd.
Born in Sapporo, 1963. As a planner, he has ample experiences in the fields of event promotion, cultural and commercial facility development, and communication designs, and established Think Communications Co., Ltd. in 2004.
He has worked on many expositions and exhibitions, and was involved in the basic planning of the EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN as assistant chief producer, producing the Robot Project, the Aichi Earth Plaza, and the micro IC entrance ticket.
With expertise in the fields of robotics and content technology, he was the Project Manager and Head of the IRT Content Division of the IRT Research Organization at the University of Tokyo for 10 years from 2006 to 2016.
He promoted industry-academia collaborative projects such as the “Innovation Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Research Areas Program (Creation of IRT Infrastructure to Support an Aging Society with Low Fertility and People).
Executive Director of “Robot Award of the Year,” Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (2006-2008); Committee Member of “Technology Strategy Map (Content Field)” (2008-2015); Chairman of the Executive Committee of “Robot Exhibition Project of Japan Government Pavilion in Expo 2010 Shanghai,” (2010); Executive Producer of “Digital Content EXPO” (2008-2017); Producer of “Aichi Robot Showcase” (2019-2020).
Expo Site Operation Assistant Producer
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Speakers
Ridha Shaikh
Riyadh EXPO Company
Ridha N. Shaikh is an accomplished executive with over 19 years of diverse experience spanning organizational transformation, executive advisory roles, engineering & project management roles across both government and corporate sectors. He currently serves as the Chief Officer of International Participants & Stakeholder Management at Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, where he leads global collaboration and drives inclusive participation in one of the Kingdom’s most anticipated international events.
Previously, Shaikh held senior leadership positions, including Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Executive Director of the PMO at the COVID-19 Response Committee, and leadership roles within the National Transformation Program. His corporate career began with nearly 13 years at Saudi Aramco, where he managed strategic planning, project governance, and performance management across major initiatives.
Complementing his executive leadership, Shaikh in the past has held several board memberships, such as Vice Chairman of the Board for the Saudi Snooker & Billiard Federation and was a board member in Saudi Geological Survey Authority and Saudi Halal Center.
These roles reflect his governance expertise, ability to align organizations with national strategies, and commitment to advancing various sectors.
Shaikh holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University (USA) and has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and other leading global institutions. He is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at HEC Paris (expected 2026).
With a proven record of driving transformation, strengthening governance, and delivering impact in complex environments, Ridha Shaikh continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and elevating the Kingdom’s global presence.
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Dr. Shinya Hashizume
Distinguished Professor of Osaka Metropolitan University; Special Adviser to Osaka Prefectural Government and Osaka City Government, Vice-President of Japan Academy of Eventology, Theme Week Supervisor for Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Doctor of Engineering
Distinguished Professor of Osaka Metropolitan University; Director, Tourism Industry Strategy Research Institute, Osaka Metropolitan University. Born in Osaka City in 1960. Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering.Kyoto University; completed the Master's Program at the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University; completed the Doctoral Program at the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University. Specializes in architectural history and urban culture. Doctor of Engineering.
Conducts comprehensive research on creative cities, urban cultural facilities, entertainment districts, and commercial facilities. Also actively involved in formulating tourism policies, citizen-participatory town planning, regional branding, and event production across various locations.
Serves as Special Advisor to Osaka Prefecture, Special Advisor to Osaka City, Vice President of the Event Society, and Vice President of the IR Gaming Society. Also serves concurrently as Vice Chair of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Urban Revitalization Committee, Vice Chair of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tourism Promotion Committee, Advisor to the Hikone Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chair of the Osaka City Urban Planning Council, and Chair of the Osaka Prefecture and City Cultural Promotion Council. Played a key role in the bid for the 2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka-Kansai Expo).
Author of over 100 books, including: Clubs and the Japanese, The Labyrinth City of Meiji, Japan's Amusement Parks, The City that Attracts Visitors, The Birth of the Modern City, Airplanes and Imagination, History of Japan's Electrification, Modern Architecture of Greater Osaka, Touring Setouchi Modernism, Touring Modern Kyoto, Walking Through the Era of Greater Osaka, Walking Through the Era of the 1970 Osaka Expo. Recipient of numerous awards including the Display Design Research Grand Prize, Energy Forum Award Excellence Prize, Osaka Vitality Grand Prix Special Prize, Japan Tourism Research Association Award, Architectural Institute of Japan Award, and Japan Institute of Urban Planning Ishikawa Award.
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Dr. Tarek Oliveira Shayya
Founder & Managing Director, Gratiya Advisory, Former Executive Vice Chairman of Expo 2020 Dubai
Dr. Tarek Oliveira Shayya is a Global South strategist and bridge-builder to states and boards, focused on government and corporate transformation, corporate diplomacy, and geo-economics. His career spans the United Nations, national government, and the boardroom. After 14 years with UN agencies, he joined the UAE Government as Director of International Affairs (2008–2017) in the Political Affairs Office of the Vice President, where he led cross-government strategy, scenario planning, and international engagement. In 2016 he was appointed to the Expo 2020 Dubai Board and subsequently became Chief International Participants Officer, responsible for securing and managing participation by 192 countries and numerous international organisations. From 2020 he served as Executive Vice-Chairman with duties over political affairs, domestic government engagement, and transition and legacy planning for Expo City Dubai.
In 2022 he founded Gratiya Advisory, a boutique born in the Global South to support governments, sovereign investors, and companies on national transformation, reputation and nation branding, sports and cultural diplomacy, and growth via international expansion and corporate diplomacy. Dr. Shayya holds a PhD in International Relations (Northwestern University), a Master’s Degree in Global Business (University of Oxford, Saïd Business School), and INSEAD’s International Directors Programme Certification. A Brazilian national of Lebanese origin who has lived and worked across Brazil, Syria, Russia, the United States, and the Middle East—including two decades in Dubai—he speaks 4 foreign languages.
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SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
Expos in a New Era and the Significance of Theme Weeks
The programme, together with the General Sponsors, explores: 'What is the significance of Theme Weeks at Expos, and what legacy from the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Theme Weeks will lead to the future?' (Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
-
2025.10.12[Sun]
19:15～20:45
(Venue Open 18:45)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
Reservations are required for this programme.
Booking typically opens with the '2-month advance lottery.' Click below for details.
* Arrive early; latecomers may not be admitted.
For more information about making a reservation to watch a programme.
Please watch the Virtual Studio if you are outside the venue.
OTHER PROGRAM
SDGs+Beyond Future Society for Life Week
