The first World Expo took place in 1851 in London, known as the “Great Exhibition.” It was a landmark event that brought together the marvels of industry, science, and design—ushering in a global tradition of sharing ideas and cultures. Since then, World Expos have become rare but powerful platforms where nations unite not to compete but to co-create.

At first glance, the expo felt like a Disneyland for international culture. But as I stepped into each pavilion, I found something deeper—carefully curated exhibits that speak of national pride, resilience, and shared responsibility. Despite the turbulence of today’s world, the expo reminded me that peace, creativity, and solidarity are still within reach.

People from all over the world visit the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.

This year, I had the privilege of representing the Masungi Georeserve Foundation at the Future Life Village during “Best Practices Day.” Our project, “Masungi Geopark Project: Restoring Forgotten Watersheds Through Youth-led Movements,” was selected as one of the official Best Practices of Expo 2025, out of more than 2,000 global nominations.

The Future Life Village, where the Best Practice winners are showcased, was a statement of sustainability. With striking views of the sea and surrounding mountains, its circular huts were built from gabions—wire-mesh containers filled with stones, typically used in erosion control and eco-architecture. This low-impact design echoed our own ethos at Masungi, where nature is not paved over but protected and embraced.

Philippine pavillion

Other featured panelists included JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), which presented a platform for disaster preparedness, and “Regen-8,” a Lebanese social enterprise delivering solar energy as a service to rural farming communities.

After my presentation, the host asked—first in Japanese, then translated into English—“What challenges do you encounter in the project?” I smiled and answered, “We have a hundred challenges,” which sparked laughter and nods from fellow changemakers in the room. Because no matter where we come from, this kind of work is never easy—but always worth it.

Being part of the Osaka World Expo was a powerful reminder that even as we grapple with difficulties at home, the world is watching. The environmental crisis knows no borders—and neither should our solutions.

In a world urgently searching for answers to the climate crisis and ecological collapse, initiatives including in Masungi offer a way forward. May our national and local leaders—including those newly elected—have the wisdom to see that this is more than just a conservation story. It is a scalable model for the future.

Let’s support long-term solutions. Let’s keep sight of the bigger picture. The forest is watching—and so is the world.

Dumaliang presents the Masungi Geopark Project during ‘Best Practices’ day.