Expos a catalyst for positive change

Dubai - Designs for final Thematic Pavilion at mega global event in Dubai unveiled

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai will be left inspired to explore ways in which they can positively contribute to sustainable global development, experts said, as designs for the final Thematic Pavilion at the Expo was unveiled.
Complementing the Expo's two other Thematic Pavilions, which are inspired by the subthemes of 'Mobility' and 'Sustainability', the 'Opportunity' Pavilion will form a key part of the immersive visitor experience. Construction on the Opportunity Pavilion will begin in the first quarter of 2019.
Speaking to Khaleej Times ahead of the unveiling of the final design element, Maha Al Gargawi, director of International Participants at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "In terms of our aspirations, we want to bring together people of all ages and nationalities, and empower them to take action for a more sustainable future. It was very important that we dedicate ourselves to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations; the first of which is to eradicate poverty, and the last of which is forming successful partnerships to achieve the goals."
"The Expo is an event that will attract millions of visitors, and this will allow us to create a platform for a number of long-term partnerships," she explained. "People from countries all over the world will be coming together, and this will generate a beautiful cross-pollination of ideas. We want to take visitors on a very interactive and educational journey that will leave them inspired to make decisions on the future of sustainable human development."
World Expos, she added, are a major catalyst for change. "Events such as these are platforms that support human innovations and development. We are aware that innovation can come from anywhere, and have set up an active network to support it. More than anything, our focus will be on leaving a lasting social legacy that will inspire future generations to step forward and make decisions related to positive changes."
The Opportunity Pavilion is expected to be a magnet for Expo 2020 visitors, who will be taken on engaging and interactive journeys that will feature decision-making and gaming components. They will be encouraged to explore how individual choices and actions can make a positive, collective contribution to global causes.
"More than 42 million work hours have already been completed on the Expo site, with the results speaking for themselves," said Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, executive director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau.
"Construction is well-advanced on the three thematic districts that form the core of the site; and all the major construction that Expo 2020 is responsible for is on track to be delivered by October 2019 - a full year before the Expo opens its doors. We want to make Expo 2020 an unforgettable experience that inspires future generations in the UAE, and around the world, to work together and help create a better future."
He added: "For all the pride that Expo 2020 and the UAE takes in staging the first World Expo in the Middle East, we are well aware that it is just that - a World Expo. Since the day Expo 2020 began its planning, one of the main goals has been to be the most international World Expo in history, with a target of target of 70 per cent of our visitors being international ones. More than 170 counties have already confirmed their participation in the Expo, with more to come. At Expo 2020, we want to use the power of collaboration to inspire ordinary people to make a difference; this is key message that is driving everything that we do."
Experts at Expo 2020 Dubai believe that opportunity is the driver of development and by sharing new technologies and thinking, individuals and communities around the world will be enabled to fulfil their potential, and shape their future.
"In line with Expo 2020 Dubai's theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', global development goals call for collective action to enable greater opportunities for human progress, beginning with access to basic amenities that provide an enabled environment in which we can all thrive," said Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau.
"Expo 2020 Dubai will bring the world together, encouraging people to share and explore ideas that will contribute to further human development. The Opportunity Pavilion is the ideal platform to enable every participant, partner and visitor to learn how they can make positive changes," she noted.
Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. It is expected to attract over 25 million visits, with an unprecedented 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE - the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com