Osaka, Japan — In a landmark diplomatic and cultural achievement, Liberia has been officially selected as the sole nation among 160 participating countries at Expo 2025 Osaka to host the prestigious Women’s Forum at the globally acclaimed Women’s Pavilion. This unprecedented milestone positions the West African nation as a leading voice in international dialogues on women’s empowerment, gender equality, political leadership, and inclusive development.
Under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the country has made strategic strides in asserting its global presence. This achievement also reflects the sustained advocacy of Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, whose work underscores Liberia’s commitment to uplifting women and girls across all sectors.
A Global Stage for Liberian Leadership
Scheduled for August 24–25, 2025, the Women’s Forum is set to convene over 100 influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and human rights advocates from Africa, Japan, and beyond. It will serve as a powerful platform for fostering dialogue on gender equity, inclusive economic growth, and the essential role of women in building resilient, innovative, and sustainable societies.
Liberia’s Commissioner General to Expo 2025, Ambassador Queen Juli Endee, conducted a high-level tour of the Women’s Pavilion on April 30 in preparation for the Forum. During her visit, she was warmly welcomed by Mrs. Akiko Shoda, Programming Manager for the Pavilion, who commended Liberia’s vision and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
“We are honored to welcome Liberia to the Women’s Pavilion,” said Mrs. Shoda. “The Forum is shaping up to be one of the Pavilion’s most impactful programs. Queen Endee has our full support, and we look forward to this meaningful collaboration.”
Aligning with the ARREST Agenda
Liberia’s participation reflects the nation’s commitment to the ARREST Agenda—President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s national development blueprint, which stands for Agribusiness, Roads and Infrastructure, Rule of Law and Governance, Education and Human Capital Development, Sanitation, and Tourism. At its core, the ARREST Agenda emphasizes inclusive growth, transparency, and empowerment—particularly of women and youth.
The Women’s Forum will serve as a dynamic showcase of Liberia’s progress. From highlighting women-led agribusiness ventures and educational innovations to demonstrating community-led sanitation and tourism projects, the event will present Liberia’s holistic development model with women at the center.
A Beacon for African Women
Ambassador Endee, a celebrated cultural icon and advocate for women’s rights, emphasized the international importance of this milestone:
“This is not just a milestone for Liberia—it is a beacon of hope for African women. We are proud to bring our stories of strength, innovation, and leadership to the world stage. This is the ARREST Agenda in action—empowering women to drive development across every sector of our society.”
Expo 2025 Osaka: A Global Celebration of Progress
Expo 2025 Osaka will run from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors. The Women’s Pavilion, curated through collaborations with global organizations and Japanese institutions, will be a central hub for discussion on innovation, sustainability, and gender equity.
Liberia’s leadership role at the Pavilion is already being celebrated as a diplomatic, economic, and cultural triumph—signaling the nation’s emergence as a trailblazer in promoting gender justice and African excellence on the world stage.
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