On October 13, the world exhibition EXPO 2025 in Osaka concluded, where Ukraine showcased its pavilion with the unique concept of «Not For Sale» — a space where nothing is for sale. Despite its compact size of 53 m², our pavilion welcomed over 3.2 million guests. It received a silver award for Best Activation at the World Expolympics and served as a platform for signing 29 international agreements between Ukraine and Japan.
The pavilion was designed under the initiative of the Government of Ukraine, led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and General Commissioner Tetiana Berezhna.
«Expo provided an opportunity to highlight the core traits of Ukrainians — courage, creativity, adaptability, and the ability to achieve greatness. Despite the limited space and time, we attracted over three million visitors, garnered international awards, and captured global attention. Our pavilion truly became the voice of Ukraine,» emphasized Tetiana Berezhna, acting Minister of Culture.
The exhibition also served as a significant diplomatic platform, hosting over 140 official delegations, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a Japanese princess, the King of Sweden, the Mayor of Berlin, and even former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
«At the main business showcase, they presented what cannot be sold — the very essence of progress, which never loses its value,» said Boris Johnson regarding the Ukrainian exhibition.
Visitors from around the world brought gifts, wore Ukrainian clothing, and some even wrote letters in Ukrainian. Japan showed remarkable solidarity by offering Ukraine free participation in EXPO 2025 and assisting in the organization of the exhibition.
Inna Iliina, director of the Ukrainian pavilion, noted: «The most touching moment for me was the visit of 80 students from Kamino junior school. They wished peace for Ukraine, gifted handmade peace cranes, and sang the song Small world. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every visitor of our pavilion and the Government of Japan for the opportunity to share the values that the Ukrainian people are fighting for during the war».
