Lambaréné, peace and the Gabonese forest: tribute to Albert Schweitzer at Expo Osaka 2025

Mavikana
Aug 1
3 min read

On July 23, 2025, the Gabon Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka dedicated an entire day to the legacy of Albert Schweitzer, a major figure in humanist medicine. Coordinated by Ms. Nina Abouna, General Commissioner for Exhibitions, this commemoration highlighted Gabon's role as a land of ethics, living memory, and committed ecotourism, consistent with the vision of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

Lambaréné in Osaka: a bridge between history and future society

In a carefully designed space, the display case dedicated to Albert Schweitzer offered the Japanese public a journey through period medical objects , documents from the historic site of Lambaréné , as well as audiovisual testimonies retracing the life and work of the philosopher-physician.

This exhibition, supported by the Minister of Sustainable Tourism and Handicrafts, Mr. Pascal Ogowe Siffon , reminds us that ecotourism and traditional medicine can be levers for development in Gabon. It has helped reposition Lambaréné as a major heritage site , capable of combining history, humanism and Gabonese biodiversity , at the heart of current issues.

Schweitzer and Japan: A Transcontinental Dialogue on Peace

One of the most striking moments of the day was the highlighting of Schweitzer's unique connection to Japan . His writings, translated since the 1950s, have found a wide resonance in a society marked by the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

This spiritual and political dialogue has been embodied in concrete collaborations , such as the visit of Dr. Isao Takahashi to Lambaréné or the lasting involvement of the University of Kanazawa . Through this prism, Schweitzer becomes a symbol of friendship between Gabon and Japan , a bridge between two cultures united by medicine, the forest, and universal peace .

A strong message for ethical and diplomatic tourism

Mr. Damien Mougin , President of the Albert Schweitzer Foundation , highlighted in his speech the diplomatic significance of this legacy . He recalled that Schweitzer, on the advice of his friend Albert Einstein, was one of the first intellectuals to campaign against the proliferation of nuclear weapons .

According to him, the Lambaréné hospital and the values that were born there must now be integrated into ethical tourism and international cooperation strategies . In other words, Gabon can make memory a driving force for peace , and the Gabonese forest a sanctuary for living together .

Gabonese Culture in the Spotlight: Women from the 9 Provinces of Kelola in Action

Throughout the day, the atmosphere of the Gabonese pavilion was enhanced by the performance of the collective of women from the 9 Provinces of Kelola . Adorned in traditional outfits and proud to represent the values of Gabonese culture , they offered the Japanese public a vibrant glimpse of Gabonese diversity and hospitality .

Their presence highlighted the importance of community anchoring in the preservation of cultural heritage, joining the themes dear to Gabon Terre Avenir : transmission, sustainable development and participation of women in local ecotourism .

Conclusion: Lambaréné, living forest and planetary consciousness

This day of tribute served as a reminder that Gabon does more than just commemorate: it transforms memory into a project for the future . Through Schweitzer, the country reaffirms its central role in green diplomacy, humanist medicine, and the construction of sustainable tourism rooted in the Gabonese forest .