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The Italian Pavilion wins the Bureau International des Expositions’ top honor, celebrating a perfect fusion of art, innovation, and teamwork.
Italy’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka has concluded with an unprecedented triumph. The Italian Pavilion has been awarded the Gold Medal for Theme Development, the highest distinction granted by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) — the intergovernmental organization that oversees and recognizes the world’s universal expositions. It is a historic first for Italy, surpassing all previous achievements at past Expos and marking a new milestone for the nation’s international image.
The award ceremony took place at the Expo Hall Shining Hat, where Ambassador Mario Vattani, Italy’s Commissioner General for Expo 2025, received the prestigious prize on behalf of the country. In his remarks, Vattani described the recognition as “a tribute to the collective spirit that defines Italy,” emphasizing the unified effort behind the Pavilion’s success.
“We interpreted the theme of the Expo in a way that reflects the essence of our culture — beginning with the idea that art regenerates life,” Vattani declared. “This award honors not only creativity but a shared national endeavor: regions, businesses, cultural institutions, and the entire Italian system worked together. Italy as a whole has triumphed at Expo Osaka.”
Vattani highlighted that the Pavilion represents more than an architectural or artistic success — it embodies a vision of Italy as a nation that believes in the future, capable of merging art with technology, tradition with innovation, and beauty with functionality. “This is not merely a celebration of a building,” he concluded, “but of an idea — an Italy that knows how to make its collective talent shine before the world.”
A Renaissance Spirit Reimagined for the Modern World
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep pride and satisfaction following the announcement, calling the award “a recognition that fills our nation with pride.” She described the Pavilion as a modern reinterpretation of a Renaissance piazza, symbolizing a meeting point between tradition and innovation, and between beauty and creativity.
“The Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka was conceived and built as a true Renaissance square,” Meloni stated, “a space where ideas, art, and technology meet, generating new collaborations and opportunities for our productive system and the growth of our economy.”
Meloni emphasized that the victory serves as a celebration of Italian genius, confirming once again that when Italy unites — bringing together institutions, enterprises, and regions — it can represent the very best of its identity and talent on the global stage.
“This award celebrates the Italian genius,” she added. “It is proof that when Italy works as a team, combining innovation and creativity, we can inspire admiration and respect worldwide.”
Diplomacy of Growth: Italy’s Global Vision
The recognition from the BIE was also hailed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who highlighted the strategic value of Italy’s achievement for its international presence. In a statement shared on social media, Tajani described the win as “a confirmation of the strength of Italy’s diplomacy of growth.”
“This success confirms the effectiveness of our diplomacy of growth, which lies at the heart of our foreign policy,” Tajani wrote. “We promote Italy not only through its culture and beauty but also by showcasing its craftsmanship, innovation, and capacity to build lasting relationships with global partners.”
According to Tajani, Expo Osaka has proven to be a global stage for Italy’s economic and cultural projection, creating concrete opportunities for Italian companies and enhancing the nation’s global reputation. The award, he noted, reflects not just artistic excellence but also the success of a vision that unites diplomacy, economy, and culture — a model for how nations can thrive through creativity and collaboration.
“The BIE award is not only a prestigious recognition,” Tajani concluded, “but also the success of a vision — one that demonstrates Italy’s role as a protagonist of the future.”
A Symbol of Collective Excellence
The Italian Pavilion’s triumph at Expo 2025 Osaka stands as a symbol of Italy’s collective excellence — a product of teamwork that bridges the nation’s artistic heritage with forward-looking innovation. Designed to capture the spirit of a country where beauty, craftsmanship, and technology coexist, the Pavilion showcased Italy’s ability to transform its cultural identity into a global language of progress.
From the initial concept to its execution, the project brought together artists, architects, engineers, and entrepreneurs, all contributing to a unified expression of Italian ingenuity. The award from the BIE, therefore, is not just an acknowledgment of aesthetic brilliance, but of Italy’s enduring capacity to create, connect, and inspire.
In Osaka, the world has witnessed what happens when Italy unites behind a shared vision: a celebration of creativity, cooperation, and hope — and a shining example of how a nation’s art and spirit can truly regenerate life.
Alessandro Fiorentino