By Jessica Cox
Monrovia, August 7, 2025 Liberia is set to make its mark on the global stage as it prepares to participate in the highly anticipated World Expo 2025, scheduled to be held in Osaka, Japan, under the global theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, with a sub-theme “Connecting Lives and Saving Lives.”
Making the disclosure during the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing on Thursday, Ambassador Julie Endee, Liberia’s Commissioner General to the Expo and Cultural Ambassador, said the country’s participation represents a major step toward promoting economic and cultural diplomacy.
“The theme of this year’s Expo strongly resonates with our national agenda,” Amb. Endee explained. “It emphasizes connectivity and human development—both of which are essential pillars for our economic growth and cultural preservation. This is why we have adopted an approach we call Economic and Cultural Diplomacy.”
While the official opening ceremony of Expo 2025 is slated for August 26, Liberia has been given a special opportunity by the event organizers to host a cultural parade ahead of the official launch. According to Ambassador Endee, this parade will provide Liberia with a unique chance to showcase its rich cultural heritage, identity, and national pride to a global audience.
“We see this as a once-in-a-lifetime platform not only to market Liberia’s culture but also to connect our businesses to international partners and markets,” she stated.
Ambassador Endee stressed that Liberia’s participation in Expo 2025 is not merely ceremonial but also strategic. The event is expected to open doors for Liberian entrepreneurs, artisans, and cultural practitioners to engage with global stakeholders and investors.
She disclosed that Liberia’s involvement was facilitated by the Association of Expositions—a body operating under the Bureau of International Expositions, where she serves as a member of the steering committee.
In a major cultural milestone, Endee announced that her team has collaborated with schools in Japan to engage 70 Japanese students who will sing the Liberian national anthem during the eventa symbolic gesture of friendship and cultural exchange.
In addition, a delegation of Liberians with special needs is currently in Japan representing the country and helping to project Liberia’s image as an inclusive society.
“We are proudly flying the Liberian flag high on the global stage and showing that Liberia is open, diverse, and full of promise,” Endee declared.
Providing further details, Ambassador Endee revealed that her office has successfully processed 176 visa applications to Japan, including 83 Liberians from the diaspora who have been approved to travel and witness Liberia’s official accreditation at the Expo.
Liberia’s official delegation will consist of 35 representatives, including:
The Head of Delegation
The Commissioner General
The Liberian Ambassador to Japan
Security personnel
Key government officials
These delegates will receive full logistical support including security, accommodation, and a guided tour of the Expo grounds arranged by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Expo organizers.
Ambassador Endee further disclosed that first-class travel and lodging for the Head of Delegation will be covered by Japan, while the remaining costs for other officials will be borne by the Government of Liberia.
In closing, Ambassador Endee expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, the Japanese Government, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their ongoing support.
“Liberia’s participation in the World Expo is more than just symbolic it is an opportunity to foster global partnerships, celebrate our culture, and promote investment opportunities for national development,” she concluded.
