Osaka, Japan, Sunday, April 13 – Vanuatu has officially opened its booth among the shared Common A Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, offering visitors a chance to connect with a nation where land, sea, and spirit shape everyday life.

Vanuatu begins its stories as it exposes 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 innovations and cultural practices. The Vanuatu exhibition brand stands out the sound of resilient hearts, empowered lives resembling the lives of its people.  

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

Joe Lui Pakoa, Commissioner General for Vanuatu at Expo 2025 Osaka and Director of External Trade, in his statement to the Pavilion staff said, “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.”

As part of the official opening of Expo 2025, the Vanuatu delegation, led by Commissioner General, proudly participated in the Official Opening Ceremony held on Saturday, 12th April. The event was a grand celebration of Japanese culture, blending the traditional with the modern skills reflecting through a spectacular show of music, dance, and innovation. The ceremony featured welcoming remarks from the Prime Minister of Japan emphasising on unity on a world plagued by division, and further on a heartfelt address from His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, who expressed his blessing and hope that the Expo would inspire all participants from around the world to respect their own lives, the lives of those around them, and all forms of life. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a global journey in which Vanuatu is honoured to take part.

Joanna Spencer, Vice Commissioner and Acting General Manager of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the strong opportunity for trade and business innovation:

“The Pavilion is opening doors for Vanuatu’s producers and exporters, while also putting a spotlight on tourism and foreign investment opportunities. It’s giving our businesses direct visibility on a global platform and encouraging the world to see Vanuatu as a serious partner for trade and development.”

Martin David, International Relations Lead for Expo, expressed his excitement at 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 carry forward long after the Expo ends.” 

Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to welcome over 20 million visitors from around the globe during its six-month duration — offering Vanuatu an unmatched platform 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.”

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.

The Vanuatu Pavilion is now open and ready to welcome the world.

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