On Sunday, September 28, 2025, we held the " Coffee Cultures United 2025 Community Talk " online.

Coffee professionals from around the world gathered together to discuss the future of a sustainable coffee industry and the potential of local communities. The keynote speech was given by Arturo Ortega Vela, a coffee farmer from Veracruz, Mexico. Under the theme of " Sustainable Coffee Farms, " he introduced efforts to produce high-quality beans while protecting the local community and the environment. His words conveyed both the "responsibility" and "hope" needed to lead the future of the coffee industry.

Next, two presentations were given on the theme of **Women's Perspectives**.

• Rani Mayasari (Indonesia) : Challenges as a small-scale farmer and activities to support the independence of local women

• Marina Mohara (Mulungi Coffee/Japan) : Her journey as a female barista in Japan

Each story conveyed the diverse roles that women play in the coffee industry and the passion behind them. The event concluded with an art program by Mexican artist Mauricio Cervantes . Cervantes began by saying:

“Coffee is more than a drink — it's a story of women, nature, and connection across the world.”

"Coffee is not just a drink, it is a story of the connection between women, nature, and the world." The photos of "hands and coffee" submitted by participants from all over the world will be linked together at a later date under the common themes of "gratitude," "women," "nature," and "connections."

"Coffee Cultures United 2025 Community Talk" was a forum where people of all cultures, generations, and genders could talk, learn, and connect over coffee.

EmPath Foundation will continue to connect diverse cultures through coffee and work towards a more peaceful and sustainable world.