The substantial increase in charges left many residents financially burdened, as they strive to retrieve their stranded vehicles
The Opportunity pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 is all set to offer plenty of learning experiences as the members of the media and some visitors got a preview of the important component of the world’s greatest show.
The pavilion is all about opportunity and positive change as it aims to encourage visitors to play an active role in creating a better future for generations to come.
One of the three subthemes of the world fair alongside Mobility and Sustainability, the Opportunity pavilion looks at possible ways one can unlock the potential of individuals and communities — harnessing the collective power of the global population to be a part of this change.
ALSO READ >>> Expo 2020 Dubai: Equinox adds wild magic to Terra pavilion
Expo 2020 Dubai: 10 most common Arabic words, phrases to know
The gates of the pavilion open up to three tracks which highlight key sustainable goals — food, water and energy — running parallel to each other and visitors can select any or all tracks based on their interests. These resources have been chosen since they are basic human needs essential for human progress.
Three ‘guides’ will play host to each of these tracks. These changemakers from different corners of the world have been selected as they have made a massive difference to their communities by helping conserve precious resources and create opportunities to benefit societies — without a lot of resources or money. Their work illustrates the Opportunity pavilion’s message that small action can, indeed, cause a massive ripple effect.
Visitors to the pavilion will get an opportunity to explore and learn about the changes that these ‘guides’ have made to their communities. It will show how other opportunities can be unlocked when the basic human requirements for water, food and energy are met.
The three guides chosen are Abel Cruz, Mariam Al Juneibi and Fatma Juma Haji and their story is nothing short of inspiring.
While Cruz has helped address the problem of water shortage in Lima, Peru, by setting up nets to harvest fog and turn it into water, Mariam Al Juneibi is UAE-based farmer who promotes sustainable farming and healthy eating practices, while also encouraging people to grow their own vegetables.
Fatma Juma Haji has ushered in a renewable energy revolution in Zanzibar — where less than four per cent of the population has access to electricity — by teaching women to instal solar panels and helping to create sustainable energy.
The three tracks lead to a hall where visitors are greeted by a number of screens and can play a game-challenge which teaches them how to be the change.
The tagline of the pavilion — Mission Possible — aptly sums up overriding message of the pavilion — if we act now, we can create a better future for everyone!
The pledge room
The most interesting area at the pavilion is the ‘Pledge Room’. Visitors enter this upside-down space ‘through the clouds’ and are asked to commit to a course of action that will make a difference to lives of people in their community.
Pledges made are then transported to the ‘garden’, a representation on the ceiling of the room.
ayaz@khaleejtimes.com
The substantial increase in charges left many residents financially burdened, as they strive to retrieve their stranded vehicles
While parents acknowledge the importance of safety as a result of inclement weather, they also expressed disquiet about extended holidays
World number one Swiatek extended her run at the tournament to 10-0 as she brushed aside Briton Raducanu
The incident happened shortly after jury selection for the hush-money trial was completed
MS Dhoni's cameo in vain as five-time champions dealt thrid loss but hold on to third place in the standings
Roads and Transport Authority has been working round the clock to carry out maintenance work
Through this collaboration, Partisia Blockchain Foundation is set to discover and support the next generation of Web3 innovators
Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's firm position supporting Palestinian people's right to self-determination and establishment of an independent state