Saudi Arabia wins vote to host World Expo 2030
Three countries were in the running to host World Expo 2030, Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Republic of Korea (Busan) and Italy (Rome)
During the 173rd General Assembly of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on November 28, Saudi Arabia was chosen as the host country of World Expo 2030. A two-thirds majority of member states voted for Saudi Arabia’s project to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh under the theme ‘The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow’. The expo will take place between October 1, 2030 and March 31, 2031.
Three countries were in the running to host World Expo 2030. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the other candidates were the Republic of Korea (Busan) with the theme ‘Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future’ and Italy (Rome) with the theme ‘People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation’.
“On behalf of the BIE, I offer my warm congratulations to Saudi Arabia on its election as host country of World Expo 2030. In the coming years, we look forward to working closely with Saudi Arabia to bring the world together in Riyadh,” said the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S Kerkentzes.
Eligible and present Member States, represented by government-appointed delegates, elected the host country in a secret ballot using electronic voting, on the principle of one country, one vote. Securing 119 votes in the first round, Saudi Arabia was elected outright, as it received the two-thirds majority required. Republic of Korea received 29 votes and Italy 17.
Addressing the assembly, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said the Kingdom will continue to devote its efforts to regional and global cooperation and development.
He commented, “We take pride in the efforts and achievements that the kingdom has made thus far.”
He also highlighted the significance of the year 2030, as it marks three critical milestones: Expo 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Saudi Vision 2030.
“The Kingdom is actively working to accelerate progress on these three fronts. As we strive to develop and transform our economy, we believe that the Kingdom’s progress, along with regional development and the well-being of the global economy, will advance steadily,” said the Foreign Minister.
He underlined the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to cooperating with all nations in hosting the expo, which he described as “built by the world for the world.” He also shed light on a comprehensive facilities package worth US $348mn allocated by the Kingdom to a group of 100 eligible countries participating in the expo.
