Osaka-Kansai Expo’s UN Pavilion to offer sustainable souvenirs
Last Updated on April 12, 2025
The Osaka-Kansai Expo’s UN Pavilion will offer visitors a range of sustainably crafted goods when it opens on the 13th of April.
The official gift shop located within the United Nations (UN) Pavilion at the highly anticipated Osaka-Kansai Expo is set to commence operations on Sunday, April 13, 2025, offering an array of exclusive merchandise and goods related to the UN and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Operating under the overarching theme of “Humanity is strongest when united (United for a Better Future),” the UN Pavilion will serve as a collaborative platform, bringing together a total of 35 distinct UN agencies and 15 departments within the UN Secretariat.
Through a series of engaging exhibits and events, the pavilion will aim to comprehensively introduce the multifaceted activities undertaken by the UN as a unified global entity.
The exhibition will delve into the 80-year history of the UN since its inception, highlight the significant progress made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), address ongoing global issues and humanitarian crises, and present the UN’s vision for a “sustainable future” – a future that can only be realized through collective human action and robust multilateral cooperation.
The exhibits will showcase specific UN activities related to sustainable development, the promotion and protection of human rights, addressing the challenges of climate change, and the crucial maintenance of international peace and security.
In direct alignment with the central theme and the informative exhibits of the UN Pavilion, the dedicated gift shop will offer a curated selection of UN and SDG-related goods, alongside exclusive products specifically created for the UN Pavilion.
A significant portion of the merchandise available at the gift shop will be crafted from environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, with the aim of ensuring that the valuable knowledge and insights gained from the pavilion’s exhibits will leave a lasting impression and serve as tangible reminders of the UN’s important work.
Let’s take a look at some of the goods on offer at the UN Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025!
Cotton bag – Price: 500 yen (tax included)
This offering is a lightweight and easily portable cotton tote bag, perfectly sized to accommodate A4 documents and other similarly sized items.
The design of the bag features an eye-catching polka dot motif, which creatively integrates the spherical imagery and the official logo of the United Nations Pavilion as presented at the Osaka Kansai Expo.
Designed to be comfortably worn over the shoulder, this tote bag proves to be a convenient accessory for carrying belongings while navigating the expo venue or for everyday use as an environmentally conscious reusable shopping bag.
True Eco Mark Clear File – Price: 500 yen (tax included)
This environmentally responsible clear file is constructed from PP (polypropylene) material that boasts a 70% recycled content rate, effectively utilizing waste plastic that was previously considered challenging to repurpose.
The front surface of the clear file features a distinctive dot pattern motif, which harmoniously combines the 17 vibrant colors representing the SDGs with the official logo of the UN Pavilion. The back of the clear file is partially transparent, allowing for easy identification of the contents stored within.
PLA cork tumbler – Price: 2,200 yen (tax included)
This stylish and sustainable cork tumbler is manufactured using PLA resin, a biodegradable plastic derived from plant-based lactic acid.
The arrangement of the colorful elements incorporated into the tumbler’s design varies from one piece to another, rendering each individual tumbler unique and allowing the owner to appreciate its distinct characteristics.
Ballpoint pen made from marine plastic waste – Price: 700 yen (tax included)
This innovative ballpoint pen is crafted from nearly 100% recycled resin, utilizing both marine plastic waste collected from the oceans and discarded empty disposable contact lens cases
Notably, this product holds the distinction of being the first in the stationery industry to receive certification as an Eco Mark Product under Category No. 164 “Products made from recycled marine plastic waste Version 1*”.
*This certification represents the world’s first environmental label standard specifically aimed at combating the pervasive issue of marine plastic waste, established and certified by Eco Mark, an initiative operated by the Japan Environment Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, with its establishment date being February 1, 2021.
Dove Wooden Pin – Price: 800 yen (tax included)
These charming wooden pins are meticulously crafted from thinned Japanese cypress wood, precisely cut using a laser machine and finished with a branded marking.
The sustainable management of Japan’s forests involves appropriate human intervention, such as thinning and pruning, to maintain their health and vitality.
The effective utilization of wood obtained from these sustainably managed forests directly contributes to the creation and maintenance of environmentally sound and sustainable forest ecosystems.
In addition to the aforementioned items, the UN Pavilion gift shop will also feature a variety of other appealing products, including plush stuffed toys and informative books centered around the United Nations and its global mission.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held over a period extending from April 13th to October 13th, 2025, and is projected to attract an estimated 28 million visitors from around the world.
The United Nations Pavilion, including its gift shop, will be open to the public on a daily basis from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm.
United Nations Pavilion Gift Shop Location: United Nations Pavilion, Empowering Zone, Osaka Kansai Expo
Source: PR Times