In April 2025 our Head of Operations & Academy, Alexia Schmolling, had the privilege of visiting the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. As Alexia and Managing Partner Stefan Remhof previously published an article on the topic of Global People Collaboration within organisations and global mobility, the World Expo stood out as a living, breathing example of what this concept truly means.
A Global Stage for Shaping the Future
With the overarching theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and sub-themes including Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives, this year’s Expo is nothing short of a powerful showcase for how people, organisations, and nations can come together to shape the cities—and societies—of tomorrow. From April to October 2025, 158 countries have gathered in Osaka to not only present culture and innovation but to imagine the future collaboratively.
A Legacy of Connection
The roots of the World Expo trace back to 1851 in London, with The Great Exhibition, originally designed to celebrate industrial progress and architectural marvels. Over time, however, the purpose has evolved from structural showcases to sharing cultures, art, sustainable technologies, and ideas—a testament to the growing importance of collaboration on a global scale.
Osaka’s Vision by the Sea
Osaka’s expo location right by the sea combined modern innovation with a sense of harmony. The site itself broke records, most notably with the ‘Grand Ring’ the largest wooden architectural structure in the world, spanning over 61,000 square metres. Visitors could walk around the entire complex and enjoy moments of stillness in places like the Forest of Tranquility or the relaxing waterscape area.
Pavillion Highlights: Innovation Meets Identity
Each national pavilion presented a unique perspective on innovation and sustainability:
- Germany impressed with a deep dive into the circular economy, showcasing models of sustainable resource use.
- Spain captivated visitors with visual storytelling—a collection of postcards from all Spanish regions—while also exploring wind turbine technology at sea and innovative uses of algae and moss in medicine, food, and fuel.
- Beyond countries, international organisations like the United Nations, ITER, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement provided compelling global insights, reinforcing the need for cross-border cooperation to tackle shared challenges.
The Future City – Society 5.0
A true highlight was the City of the Future pavilion. Visitors were taken on an immersive journey through human societal evolution—from hunter-gatherers to industrial and information societies—all the way to Society 5.0, Japan’s national vision of a “super smart society”.
Through virtual reality experiences, the pavilion showcased ideas such as:
- Holographic doctor visits for real-time, remote health diagnostics.
- Smart street signage powered by AI and supported by people to maximise pedestrian safety.
- Virtual art museum tours for students, encouraging cultural exposure beyond physical limitations.
This integration of cyberspace and physical life was a compelling example of how digital innovation, when shared across borders, can enrich human lives globally.
The World Expo: A Living Metaphor for Global People Collaboration
At PMA Consult, we often speak about the power of Global People Collaboration — the ability to work, innovate, and grow together across cultures, sectors, and borders. The World Expo is the embodiment of this vision. It illustrates how, when nations and people share ideas, they don’t just solve problems—they build futures. From climate solutions and healthcare technology to cultural understanding and global solidarity, this event demonstrates that no single country can meet today’s challenges alone. True progress requires open exchange, mutual respect, and shared purpose.
Check out our whitepaper on Global People Collaboration or find out how we leverage it within organisations with our 4 Step approach.
Looking Ahead
Germany is an applicant for the World Expo 2035 and showcased their ideas in Berlin earlier this year. PMA Co-Founder Daniel Zinner was present to advocate to bring the Expo 2035 to Berlin – an innovative city where crazy ideas are fostered to bring the world forward. With plans already in motion for the next World Expo, it’s exciting to imagine how the momentum of global collaboration will continue to grow.
As we develop our ongoing work around the Global People Collaboration Index and continue advising organisations on how to foster cross-cultural, high-performing teams, experiences like the Osaka Expo fuel our commitment to helping global employees and organisations thrive together.
Let’s keep building bridges—across cultures, industries, and continents.
Author:
Alexia Schmolling is Head of Operations at PMA. Her focus lies on Expat Management, Employee Health and international HRM. She brings valuable insights from her international experiences.
