The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka recently showcased the “Youth Ambassadors Programme” to students from the United Arab Emirates University during a special session titled “A Session with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.” This session highlighted the vital role of youth in representing the UAE on one of the world’s most significant international platforms, showcasing the country’s narrative and values to a global audience.
Empowering Youth Through Practical Experience
The “Youth Ambassadors Programme” is one of the key initiatives by the UAE Expo Office, providing participants with practical experience in national representation, cultural diplomacy, and international communication. Throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, the youth ambassadors worked as part of the UAE Pavilion team for six months, where they engaged with visitors from around the globe and took on various responsibilities in managing the pavilion’s operations.
Mariam Al Muhairi, Head of the UAE Expo Office, stated, “The Youth Ambassadors Programme exemplifies the UAE’s ongoing commitment to investing in the potential of its youth by providing them opportunities to learn and gain experience through responsibility and practical engagement. During Expo 2025 Osaka, the youth ambassadors represented the UAE, thriving in a multicultural environment and interacting directly with individuals from diverse backgrounds.”
She further remarked that the skills acquired through this experience extend beyond their participation in the Expo. “They have enhanced their self-confidence, improved their decision-making abilities, and deepened their understanding of the UAE’s role on the global stage. By sharing their experiences at the United Arab Emirates University, we aim to transmit this knowledge to the next generation and encourage them to explore the vital role they can play in representing the UAE,” Al Muhairi added.
Diverse Representation and Achievements
The team of the “Youth Ambassadors Programme” at the UAE Pavilion included 46 ambassadors, comprising 24 Emiratis, 20 Japanese, and two residents in Japan. Their roles encompassed visitor experience, pavilion operations, protocol, programme management, and communications, interacting daily with visitors, official delegations, and media representatives.
In addition to their operational duties, the youth ambassadors contributed to the planning and organisation of the “World Youth Day,” which saw participation from over 200 individuals representing more than 60 country pavilions. They also designed and implemented their own initiatives under the “Youth in Leadership” programme held over weekends, and organised activities for children as part of the “Children’s Summer Programme.” The contributions of the youth ambassadors significantly enriched the visitor experience at the pavilion, leading them to receive the “Best Crew” award at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Impact and Future Aspirations
The session at the United Arab Emirates University, led by Aisha Al Marzooqi, Deputy Director of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and Operations Manager at the UAE Expo Office, reflected the lasting impact of the “Youth Ambassadors Programme.” Al Marzooqi shared her personal journey, having begun her career with Expo as a Young Ambassador at Expo 2015 in Milan.
Reflecting on her experience, Al Marzooqi said, “My time as a young ambassador at Expo 2015 Milan demonstrated to me how youth can develop their skills and enhance their capabilities when given the opportunity to represent their country on a global stage. At Expo 2025 Osaka, it was a source of pride to witness a new generation of youth ambassadors experiencing the same journey and leaving their unique imprint.”
She added, “The youth ambassadors gained greater self-confidence, learned to work and interact within a multicultural environment, and became an integral part of the experience for visitors at the UAE Pavilion. By sharing their stories with students from the United Arab Emirates University, we hope to inspire them to explore the opportunities and potential that await them in the future.”
Joining Aisha Al Marzooqi in the discussion were young ambassadors Alia Al Ayassi and Ahmed Al Dhaheri, who shared their experiences representing the UAE in Osaka, their interactions with visitors, and their collaboration with colleagues from various cultures. They also spotlighted the responsibility they felt while representing their country, alongside the confidence and skills they gained during their involvement in the programme.
The session also allowed students to gain a broader understanding of the UAE’s participation in international Expo exhibitions and the vision behind the design of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Under the theme “From Earth to Ether,” the Pavilion integrated the UAE’s heritage, values, and future aspirations, with youth playing a pivotal role in conveying this narrative to the world.
During six months at Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Pavilion welcomed approximately five million visitors, who experienced the “From Earth to Ether” narrative that showcased the nation’s progress and ambitions in sustainable technologies, healthcare, and space exploration.