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STEAM × Gender Talk Part 2: "The Current State of STEAM Around the World – Bridging Science and the Humanities"
In Part 2, we welcome speakers from the Australia Pavilion, Jordan Pavilion, and Malaysia, each bringing diverse expertise and cultural perspectives, to share the latest developments in STEAM education and practice around the world. This session will explore how the interdisciplinary nature of STEAM—bridging science, technology, the arts, and the humanities—can foster co-creation across differences in gender, culture, and values.
Moderated by Sachiko Nakajima, producer of the Expo’s thematic project “Invigorating Lives” and an active practitioner at the intersection of mathematics, music, and education, the session invites a global perspective on the future of STEAM. Together, we will envision a society where everyone can express themselves, learn, and co-create freely. Simultaneous interpretation in English and Japanese will be provided.

【Reflection】
STEAM × Gender Talk Part 2: “The Current State of Global STEAM — Bridging Science and the Humanities” – Event Report

On August 1, 2025, the fourth session, STEAM × Gender Talk Part 2: “The Current State of Global STEAM — Bridging Science and the Humanities”, was held at the Women’s Pavilion “WA” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The discussion explored the forefront of STEAM education—integrating science, technology, the arts, and the humanities—together with experts from around the world. The session was moderated by Sachiko Nakajima, Producer of the Thematic Project “Invigorating Lives”, who works across mathematics, music, and education. The panel featured Nancy Gordon, Government Representative of the Australia Pavilion; Shifa Zugoul, Acting Government Representative of the Jordan Pavilion; and Anuthra Sirisena, Malaysian STEM (robotics) educator and Chair of the Tenom Innovation Center. The event was conducted with simultaneous English–Japanese interpretation, facilitating a truly global dialogue.

At the outset, Nakajima opened with the message that “STEAM is more than the fusion of science and the humanities — it is a creative approach that bridges human logic and sensibility.” Her words immediately set a tone of warmth and focus across the audience. Following this, Sirisena shared examples from her work in rural Malaysian schools, where children apply STEAM-based thinking to solve local issues. She also described the inspiring journey of young female students gaining confidence and becoming active leaders in their communities through hands-on learning.

Zugoul discussed the current state of women’s participation in education and research in Jordan, emphasizing the importance of coeducation across cultural and religious boundaries and the essential skills needed for the 21st century. She highlighted the need to create systems that support inquiry-based learning while respecting diverse values and traditions.

Gordon introduced Australia’s gender equality policies and the everyday dynamics of gender roles, as well as its inclusive education system and the integration of Indigenous cultural perspectives. She spoke about Australia’s strong commitment to a future society where all forms of life—women, people with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds—can thrive, supported by visible role models and inclusive frameworks.

In the latter half, the panelists exchanged candid reflections on the broader role of STEAM in society. A shared view emerged that STEAM is not merely an educational model, but rather a universal language that connects people across cultures, genders, and borders. The audience responded with deep empathy and engagement.

Nakajima concluded by stating that “At the root of STEAM lies humanity’s essential and creative drive to ‘invigorate life.’” She spoke of hope for a new era of co-creation that links science and art, the individual and society, and diverse cultures with the shared future ahead. The session embodied the very ideals of Expo 2025—gender equality, women’s empowerment, human security, and intercultural dialogue—brought vividly to life through the practice of STEAM.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Building on the international networks and dialogues that emerged from STEAM × Gender Talk Part 2: “The Current State of Global STEAM — Bridging Science and the Humanities,” we will continue to expand the circle of collaboration around the fusion of STEAM and gender. Around the world, numerous countries and regions are advancing educational, research, and policy initiatives that integrate STEM and gender equality. Japan, too, must actively engage with and contribute to this global movement. Moving forward, we plan to collaborate with government representatives, educators, and researchers from abroad to hold ongoing cross-border online sessions, introduce diverse role models, and exchange best practices and policy insights. The leadership of women driving these international collaborations—including those seen at the Expo—serves as a powerful inspiration for Japan’s future and will remain one of the most meaningful legacies of Expo 2025.

In Japan, the percentage of women researchers in STEM fields remains among the lowest within OECD countries, highlighting a persistent gender gap. This project seeks to address such challenges not through rigidity or burden, but with creativity, joy, and openness. By fostering a society where people—regardless of gender or background—can freely pursue what they love, we aim to bring new vitality to education, research, and innovation. Incorporating authentic perspectives from abroad will be key to transforming mindsets and creating a sustainable legacy of the Expo for Japan and beyond.

One of the panelists, Anuthra Sirisena from Malaysia, visited Japan with a delegation of more than twenty children, educators, and government officials. Following the talk, she and her team participated in the Jellyfish Pavilion’s signature event, the World Learning & Play Summit, within the Future Earth School “Gender & STEAM Zone,” where Malaysian children led engaging robotics-based STEAM workshops. Their interactions—learning, collaborating, and inspiring one another across borders—beautifully embodied the essence of collaborative learning through STEAM.

Furthermore, through Ms. Sirisena’s introduction, steAm BAND’s 3rd Learning Collaboration Contest established a partnership with an international competition in Indonesia. This contest also serves as the Japan representative selection for the 2026 International Creativity & Innovation Awards (ICIA), a global initiative aligned with the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day. Held in a hybrid format combining online and in-person participation, the contest provides a platform for youth to cultivate creativity and international collaboration. Winners will be nominated to represent Japan at the ICIA 2026 World Congress in Cambodia.

Through these encounters and dialogues born from the Expo, the collaboration between STEAM and gender continues to evolve into a global alliance. We will keep nurturing a future where diverse lives shine together through the power of learning, creativity, and shared imagination.