The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has highlighted the growing role of youth ambassadors in strengthening cultural exchange and long-term relations between the UAE and Japan during a special engagement at Keio University in Tokyo.
The session, part of Keio University’s “Regional Culture: Arab World” course, explored how the Pavilion’s Youth Ambassador Programme combined leadership development, cultural diplomacy, and international engagement throughout Expo 2025 Osaka. Moreover, the event marked the first anniversary of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Centre for Arabic Language Education, established through a partnership between Keio University and the UAE University.
“The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has highlighted the growing role of youth ambassadors in strengthening cultural understanding and long-term ties between the UAE and Japan through a special engagement at Keio University in Tokyo.”
The discussion was led by Shihab Alfaheem, the UAE’s ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Japan and commissioner general of the UAE Pavilion. During the session, Alfaheem examined how World Expositions function as platforms for international cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
Youth Ambassador Programme Strengthens Cross-Cultural Engagement
A central focus of the event was the Pavilion’s Youth Ambassador Programme, which aims to prepare young participants to represent the UAE internationally through leadership training, storytelling, and cultural communication. Consequently, the initiative aligns with national frameworks, including We the UAE 2031 and the National Youth Agenda 2031.
“The programme has been aligned with national initiatives including We the UAE 2031 and the National Youth Agenda 2031.”
The Youth Ambassador cohort included 46 participants: 24 Emiratis, 20 Japanese, and 2 residents of other nationalities living in Japan. In addition, the programme is centred on four key pillars: leadership, cultural diplomacy, international engagement, and personal development.
Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, ambassadors supported visitor engagement, Pavilion operations, and cultural interpretation activities while interacting with millions of international attendees.
“Bringing together Emirati and Japanese participants within the setting of Expo 2025 Osaka created opportunities for learning, collaboration, and capability building that will go beyond the Expo itself and contribute to the broader relationship between the UAE and Japan.”
Alfaheem also noted that the initiative reflects the UAE’s broader investment in developing globally connected future leaders capable of representing the country through authentic cultural dialogue and communication.
Expo 2025 Osaka Pavilion Draws More Than Five Million Visitors
The event additionally featured a fireside conversation with Youth Ambassadors Meznah Alansaari and Hajime Ogami, who discussed their personal experiences at the Expo and the impact of intercultural collaboration on communication and understanding.
Meanwhile, the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has welcomed more than five million combined visitors, making it the most visited national pavilion at the international event. Furthermore, the Pavilion’s concept, titled “Earth to Ether,” integrates immersive storytelling with themes of heritage, sustainability, healthcare, innovation, and space exploration.
“Guided by “Earth to Ether,” the Pavilion has showcased immersive experiences linking heritage, innovation, sustainability, healthcare, and space exploration.”
The Pavilion’s architecture and visitor-centred programming also received multiple international awards, including the Best Staff Award at Expo 2025 Osaka. As a result, the project continues to strengthen the UAE’s cultural diplomacy strategy through design, public engagement, and youth-led international exchange.