Ukraine’s National Day at EXPO 2025 Highlights Gratitude to Global Partners
On August 5, Ukraine celebrated its National Day at EXPO 2025 in Japan, focusing on expressing gratitude to international partners and allies for their assistance during wartime.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
The event was organized on the initiative of Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and under the leadership of Acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, General Commissioner of Ukraine at EXPO 2025 Tetiana Berezhna.
The program brought together more than 500 guests from different countries, including First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and representatives of the Ukrainian and Japanese governments.
In her speech, Olena Zelenska expressed the gratitude of the Ukrainian people to Japan and all countries that are helping Ukraine defend itself against aggression, emphasizing the importance not only of support, but also of humanity and compassion.
At the same time, Tetiana Berezhna pointed out that EXPO 2025 is a chance for Ukraine to thank the world and its partners for their support. "For us, EXPO 2025 is a place where we can talk about the war, but not let it define who we are. Our ‘Ode of Gratitude’ is a ‘thank you’ to those who did not leave us alone," she said.
A special moment of the National Day was the premiere of “Ode of Gratitude” — a musical composition created in collaboration with the creative agency Bickerstaff.734. The piece was performed live for the first time by musician and composer Mariana Klochko, and the official part of the event concluded with a performance by the famous Ukrainian band ONUKA.
After the ceremony, representatives of the governments of Japan, EU countries, and international organizations visited the Ukrainian pavilion “Not For Sale,” which has been operating at EXPO 2025 since April. Guests were presented with the installation “Imported Goods,” dedicated to Ukraine's foreign friends, symbolizing how the efforts of individuals can turn into significant support. The exhibition featured five new exhibits honoring cultural figures and activists from Japan, Great Britain, Germany, and Canada.
EXPO 2025 is an international exhibition held every five years, where countries and organizations showcase innovations in technology, culture, and social solutions to collectively envision and build a sustainable future. This year's event in Osaka focuses on the themes of conservation, empowerment, and interconnection of life.
Read more on The Gaze: How Ukrainian Innovators Shaped the Modern World