At Expo 2025 in Osaka, held under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, Uzbekistan is presenting its program of sustainable development and technological renewal through the national pavilion entitled “Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for the Society of the Future.”
“This project is very dear to me, as I had the privilege of being involved from the earliest stages of concept development. At that time, I proposed the idea of creating a space that would reflect the profound processes taking place in Uzbekistan — the harmony between innovation and tradition, the aspiration toward the future, and the respect for timeless values. The pavilion, like our society, embodies a diversity of cultures, languages, and historical experiences. It serves as a bridge between past and future, enabling the world to gain a deeper understanding of Uzbekistan’s present,” said Saida Mirziyoyeva.
Through a 360-degree multimedia installation, visitors are invited on a journey across Uzbekistan, showcasing positive initiatives and achievements in fields such as education, green energy, and modern technologies.
Architecture and Materials
The pavilion draws inspiration from the carved-column halls of the Juma Mosque in Khiva and the brick-and-clay tradition of the Poi Kalon complex in Bukhara. Its foundation is constructed of recycled brick, while the columns are crafted from cedar wood sourced in Osaka. Following the exposition, this modular structure is planned to be relocated to Uzbekistan and transformed into an educational center.
Ecological and Social Concept
The architectural triad of “garden–forest–sculpture” takes the form of a national triangular amulet, metaphorically illustrating the process of growth: the ground as the “seed of knowledge”, the ascending platform as growth, and the rooftop garden as the “fruit” phase. For this distinctive approach and its wooden construction, Uzbekistan’s pavilion was awarded the Gold Prize in the category “Excellent Architecture – Fair and Exhibition” at the German Design Award 2025.
Expressing Innovation
The interior exhibition “Seeds of the Future” presents interactive multimedia panels showcasing the OneID digital document, IT Park startups, as well as green hydrogen and wind energy projects. Visitors experience energy and the digital economy firsthand through a 360- degree ascending platform—where social innovation and technological advancement are brought together within a single narrative.
Digital Transformation
As of July 1, 2025, an electronic ID available through the my.gov.uz or Social Card applications has become sufficient for domestic air travel, replacing the need for a plastic ID card or passport. This digital document is now also valid at airports, banks, and notarial offices.
These steps in advancing digital governance have been recognized by the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index: in 2022, Uzbekistan rose by 37 positions, reaching 43rd place among 198 countries and attaining the “A” category.
Green Energy
Uzbekistan is making significant strides in harnessing wind and solar power. Two wind power plants in Bukhara were launched ahead of schedule, generating nearly 3 terawatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to supply thousands of villages with power for a year. Most importantly, the rotation of the turbines reduces harmful gas emissions by 2 million tons each year.
At the “green hydrogen” plants in Chirchiq and Gijduvon, around 3,000 tons of hydrogen are produced annually through wind and hydropower. This clean fuel is ideally suited for use in metro systems and electric buses.
Technology, however, is not limited to large corporations. During the Navruz Hackathon 2025, more than one hundred students developed over forty “green” projects in just three days and nights. This demonstrates that young people are also at the forefront of transitioning our economy toward a clean and sustainable path.
Investment Climate
At the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum 2025, held on June 9–12, investment and trade agreements worth 30.5 billion USD were signed. The event brought together more than 8,000 participants from 97 countries, with over 150 speakers contributing to the discussions.
Uzbekistan’s achievements in digitalization, the startup ecosystem, and green energy are also reflected in its Expo 2025 pavilion. The “Garden of Knowledge” presents national innovations to a global audience in a compelling and sustainable manner, serving as a practical demonstration of the country’s “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy and its roadmap in the field of green economy.