April 13th marks more than just the opening day of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan—it signals the beginning of a global journey toward creating a more connected, compassionate, and forward-thinking society. Over the course of 184 days, Yumeshima Island will become the center for an international collaboration as more than 150 nations and organizations come together under a shared vision: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
I’m looking forward to what’s ahead, and I can’t help but reflect on what we’ve already accomplished. When I was appointed by the White House to serve as United States Commissioner General at Expo 2020 Dubai, I called it the best job in the entire State Department – and I meant it. It was an honor unlike any other to help showcase the values, dreams, and diversity of America on a world stage. But beyond the privilege of representing our country, what I’ll always carry with me are the moments of true human connection, the conversations, the shared meals, and the partnerships formed not only of policy but of mutual respect, curiosity, and hope.
That same spirit is at the core of Expo 2025 Osaka as the expo is shaping up to be a living, breathing laboratory for a future society. It will invite the world to view exhibits that will empower us to co-create solutions to improve humankind. With the subthemes Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives, Expo 2025 recognizes what truly matters: protecting one another, uplifting every voice, and building bridges that last. It will be a celebration of innovation and culture, but also of the enduring truth that we are stronger, smarter, and kinder when we walk in each other’s shoes.
The concept of the People’s Living Lab is a call to action and one of the most exciting aspects of this Expo. We’ll examine how cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions can help resolve the complex issues we all face, from public health to climate change to access and equity. In Dubai, I met people who became lifelong friends. I worked with a new family of colleagues and team members, all united by humanity. We were explorers and collaborators in each other’s cultures and values. That’s why events like this matter. Because in a world that often feels divided, Expos remind us of what’s possible when we come together.
I want to send my very best wishes to the team behind the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. I know firsthand the energy, care, and passion that goes into representing our nation on this global platform, and I can’t wait to see how you inspire and engage the world in the months ahead. To everyone attending – leaders, students, families, and dreamers – this is our time to imagine the future we want to live in and start building it.
Let’s make it count!
