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🗞️ Driving the news: Expo 2025 officially opened on Sunday in Osaka, Japan, featuring participation from 160 countries and regions
• The six-month global event aims to inspire optimism amid ongoing global challenges and features a record-breaking wooden architectural structure, a surreal mascot, and exhibits blending tradition and innovation—from Martian meteorites to stem cell-grown “hearts”
🔭 The context: World Expos are held every five years, providing countries a platform to showcase culture, technology, and innovation
• This is Japan’s second time hosting since Expo 1970, a landmark event known for debuting IMAX and Moon rocks
• Expo 2025 comes as Japan grapples with rising construction costs—27% over budget—and slower-than-expected ticket sales
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Sustainability features prominently, with architect Sou Fujimoto highlighting the use of wood for the Grand Ring as a sustainable design choice
• However, only 12.5% of the structure is set for reuse—half the originally planned amount—raising concerns over material waste
• The Expo also offers a stage for innovations in clean technology, health, and cultural diplomacy, such as Ukraine’s post-conflict resilience showcase
⏭️ What's next: Organisers aim to boost attendance to reach their 23 million ticket target by October. Same-day admissions have been introduced to counter sluggish sales
• Meanwhile, international attention will focus on pavilion themes, diplomatic signals (e.g., Ukraine’s presence and Russia’s absence), and the event’s legacy in sustainable infrastructure and cultural exchange
💬 One quote: “This conveys peace,” - Osaka’s governor on Ukraine’s decision to participate despite the ongoing war and financial hardship
📈 One stat: As of last week, 8.7 million tickets had been sold—just over one-third of the targeted 23 million
See here detailed sustainability performance of companies Kajima Corporation, and GCCA India
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