BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. The world expo
“Osaka, Kansai Expo 2025” has officially kicked off in Osaka,
Japan, under the theme “Designing the Future Society for Our
Lives.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Emperor Naruhito of Japan,
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Secretary General of the Bureau
International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes, and
high-level guests from participating countries around the
world.
Azerbaijan, which has been actively and successfully represented
at Expo events since 2000, continues to place great importance on
its participation this year.
As part of the event, the official opening of Azerbaijan’s
national pavilion—organized by the Heydar Aliyev Center—was held.
The ceremony was attended by Anar Alakbarov, Azerbaijan’s
Commissioner General for Expo 2025 and Director of the Heydar
Aliyev Center, Shimzi Izumi, Country Manager for Expo 2025 in
Azerbaijan, Gursel Ismayilzade, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Japan,
along with other distinguished guests.
Located in the “Connecting Lives” section of Expo 2025, the
Azerbaijan Pavilion showcases the theme “Seven Bridges for
Sustainability.”
The pavilion’s concept is inspired by the legendary poem “Seven
Beauties” by the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.
It highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage, technological
progress, and commitment to sustainable development—all while
emphasizing the importance of openness and dialogue. The idea is
simple: through dialogue and connection, we can build a harmonious
and sustainable future.
The three-story pavilion features a facade inspired by
traditional Azerbaijani shebeke (stained-glass latticework),
reflecting the nation’s art, craftsmanship, and cultural identity.
Visitors begin their journey through the pavilion by exploring
themes symbolized by each of the seven beauties—cultural diversity,
heritage, traditional art, architectural marvels, sustainability,
natural resources, sports, and tourism.
The pavilion also features three symbolic trees: the “Azerbaijan
Tree,” the “Japan Tree,” and the “Friendship Tree,” which blends
elements of both and represents the strong bond between the two
countries.
Expo 2025 spans more than 155 hectares and brings together 165
countries and 7 international organizations. Over 28 million
visitors are expected to attend before the event wraps up on
October 13.
