Antigua and Barbuda to be Featured in Expo 2025 “Forest of Civilizations”

Antigua and Barbuda will take its place among more than 130 nations in the “Forest of Civilizations”, one of the largest and most symbolic exhibitions at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan.

The initiative brings countries together through ancient trees chosen to represent their history, culture, and shared commitment to the future. On September 16, Antigua and Barbuda’s representatives — Javier Jacobs, Operations Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and Commissioner General to the Japan Expo, along with Kayla Christian, ABTA Marketing Communications Officer — formally selected a 6,500-year-old subfossil oak tree for the country’s contribution.

The tree now carries a metal QR code engraved with the words: “This tree stands here in honour of Antigua and Barbuda.” When scanned, the code reveals a message highlighting the nation’s biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and commitment to environmental stewardship. It also shares the theme of Antigua and Barbuda’s Pavilion at Expo 2025: “Each endeavoring, all achieving, committing to protect and save the environment for all walks of life in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Commissioner General Jacobs said the installation is both symbolic and timely. “We are honored to be part of this meaningful exhibition. The Forest of Civilizations represents not only the richness of our shared past but also a call to action for unity and sustainability. Antigua and Barbuda is proud to stand among nations in contributing to this vision,” he told reporters.

The exhibition features 133 ancient oak trees, each over 6,500 years old, preserved from subfossil deposits and digitally enhanced for display. Organizers describe it as a celebration of cultural diversity and global cooperation, with each tree reflecting the identity and spirit of a participating nation.

By joining the Forest of Civilizations, Antigua and Barbuda sends a message from the “land of 365 beaches” to the world — that protecting natural treasures is a collective responsibility, to be embraced country by country and generation by generation.