Expos often serve as theaters of national self-presentation, where participation is read largely through the lens of the nation-state. Country pavilions typically tell stories of heritage, innovation, and aspiration through identifiable national frameworks. Official participation is also organized primarily around sovereign countries, reinforcing the state-centered character of these mega-events. Against this backdrop, the United Nations (UN) at Expo 2025 Osaka faced a comple

Expo 2025 Osaka is now open, and this is an exciting time for me. I have been to every Expo since 1982 which means I have been lucky enough to attend two prior Expos in Japan: Expo 1985 Tsukuba and Expo 2005 Aichi. The anticipation for my return to Japan is palpable. I was a just a youth and my trip to Expo 1985 Tsukuba would be my first overseas travel outside of my home country, the United States of America. I attended my first Expo in 1982 which was hosted in Knoxville, Te