Celebrating Nature’s Wisdom, 20 years after Expo 2005 Aichi

The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) took part this weekend in the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Expo 2005 Aichi, a landmark event organised under the theme "Nature's Wisdom."

This significant milestone was commemorated yesterday, 7 September, with a special ceremony in Nagoya City, highlighting the enduring impact of the Expo and its visionary theme. Hosted by Aichi Prefecture, the event was held in partnership with the Global Institute for Sustainable Progress and Innovation (GISPRI), the association dedicated to pursuing the legacy of Expo 2005 Aichi.

Gathering over 120 International Participants, Expo 2005 Aichi welcomed 22 million visitors between 25 March and 25 September 2005. The Expo was centered on promoting humankind's harmonious relationship with nature and encouraging environmentally friendly behaviours. It showcased groundbreaking innovations and fostered international collaboration, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire sustainable practices worldwide.

On the occasion of the anniversary celebration, the inaugural Expo Innovation Awards were granted to non-governmental projects demonstrating technological and social innovation at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. The Expo Innovation Award is a joint initiative of the BIE and GISPRI that recognises outstanding innovations presented or demonstrated at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.

Inkspire 3D, a pioneering start-up dedicated to restoring coral ecosystems and showcased in Saudi Arabia's pavilion, received the Award for Technological Innovation for the project "Engineered Reefs: 3D Solutions for Ocean Revival". Special Kids Future Concept Challenge Consortium received the Award for Social Innovation for the project Docodemo Expo, a groundbreaking initiative using AI-powered robotic avatars to allow sick children to experience the Expo via Italy's pavilion. The RITE Forest of the Future Group (consisting of the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), Maeda Road Construction Co., Ltd., Nagoya Univ., and Kyushu Univ.) received the Expo Special Recognition Award for Cross-Sectoral Enlightenment for its demonstration of direct-air-capture (DAC) and CO2 absorption technologies at the "RITE Future Forest" pavilion.

The Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, who took part in the anniversary event, stated: "The 20th anniversary of Expo 2005 Aichi allows us to reflect on the power of International Exhibitions in driving meaningful change. As the world meets in Osaka for Expo 2025, we may take inspiration from Aichi's lasting legacy and its role in fostering dialogue on the protection of the environment, promoting eco-responsible actions, and sharing best practices. The presentation of the Expo Innovation Award today is one of many ways in which the legacy of Expo 2005 Aichi continues to make its impact felt."

World Expos, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, are global gatherings of nations addressing universal challenges of our time. These unparalleled global events offer a journey inside a chosen theme through engaging and immersive activities. Taking place under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai opened its gates on 13 April and will close on 13 October.