NEW YORK: The United Nations will have a dedicated pavilion at next year’s World Expo in Dubai under the theme ‘We the Peoples: Shaping Our Future Together’.
Following the announcement by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that year 2020’s commemoration would feature worldwide youth-driven conversations on the role of global cooperation in building the future the world wants and deserves – and as part of the commemoration of its 75th anniversary – the United Nations’ participation at Expo provides an opportunity to reach millions of visitors, in person and in virtual space, to inspire engagement in and around Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The theme of the pavilion was announced by Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo 2020 Dubai. It connects the opening words of the Charter of the United Nations adopted in 1945, ‘We the Peoples’, with the 75th anniversary theme of ‘Shaping Our Future Together’.
“We are very grateful to the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates, and the organizers, for the opportunity to be part of Expo 2020 and for the generous support provided,” said Mr. Nasser.
The United Nations has received excellent support from the United Arab Emirates and Expo 2020 to participate, including the provision of a ready-built, dedicated pavilion as part of Expo 2020’s ‘one nation, one pavilion’ policy.
The pavilion will be organized around a central, programmable space for events, presentations, discussions and meetings, and will be surrounded by exhibits that tell not only the stories and achievements of the United Nations including its agencies, funds and programmes, but above all of the people who benefit from the United Nations’ work. Curated in a way to inspire many new advocates to connect more closely with the United Nations, it will reveal and shine a light on a United Nations that is open and accessible, listening to the voices of all and of young people in particular.
As visitors leave the pavilion, they will feel that the United Nations is an impactful force in the world, and one that welcomes and requires all of us to participate. Pervading this experience is the sense that protecting and upholding the rights of all people, and indeed of the planet itself, are at the heart of the Organization’s work, and that we all have a role to play in that. This will be a place for everyone to recognize their own potential as a part of ‘We the Peoples’, and in whatever capacity to bring that potential back to their own communities to join the global fight for a fair and sustainable world.
Expo 2020’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ is closely aligned with the idea of the United Nations itself — coming together to create a safe, peaceful, just and sustainable future.
Since 1851, World Expos have played a unique role in conveying new ideas and technologies, engaging people, and spurring support for global priorities across national boundaries.
Expo 2020, the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, will welcome more than 200 participants. This will include 192 nations, each with their own pavilion, making Expo 2020 the most inclusive and international Expo to date. News Desk
