The UAE Youth Ambassador Programme was highlighted at Keio University for promoting leadership, cultural diplomacy and global engagement after Expo 2025 Osaka.
TOKYO: The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has highlighted the success of its UAE Youth Ambassador Programme during a special session held at Keio University in Tokyo. The event examined how young participants helped communicate the UAE’s values, culture and future vision to millions of international visitors during Expo 2025 Osaka.
The session formed part of Keio University’s “Regional Culture: Arab World” course and coincided with the first anniversary of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Centre for Arabic Language Education. The centre was established through cooperation between Keio University and UAE University to strengthen educational and cultural exchange between Japan and the UAE.
His Excellency Shihab Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, addressed the event and discussed how World Expositions contribute to cultural diplomacy and international cooperation. He explained that the UAE Youth Ambassador Programme was designed to prepare young people to represent the country globally while developing leadership and communication skills.
The programme included 46 participants made up of Emirati and Japanese youth, alongside other residents in Japan, reflecting its international and collaborative approach. Participants received training in storytelling, guest engagement, cultural understanding and Pavilion operations while supporting visitors during Expo 2025 Osaka.
Alfaheem said the UAE Youth Ambassador Programme reflects the country’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development. He added that the initiative helped participants communicate the UAE’s story with confidence, authenticity and cultural understanding while strengthening relations between the UAE and Japan.
Students attending the event also heard from Youth Ambassadors Meznah Alansaari and Hajime Ogami, who shared their personal experiences from the Expo. Discussions focused on cross-cultural understanding, communication and the impact of international collaboration.
During Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Pavilion welcomed more than five million visitors and received multiple international awards for its architecture, visitor experience and engagement initiatives.
