1) What are Expos?
Expos, also referred to as “world’s festivals”, have existed in varied kinds for greater than two centuries, as a chance for nations to showcase new expertise, merchandise, and concepts.
Within the period earlier than mass journey, they had been one of many few methods for most individuals to expertise different cultures, and uncover the world, and a few of the massive nineteenth century Expos have had an everlasting impression on the international locations by which they had been held.
The 1851 Nice Exhibition in London, for instance, which passed off in an iconic forged iron and glass constructing named The Crystal Palace, showcased the fruits of the Industrial Revolution, while the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris featured the Eiffel Tower, which some critics dismissed as an unpleasant development that deserved to be dismantled by the tip of the occasion.
Since then, it has turn out to be progressively simpler to journey to completely different components of the world, however even within the twentieth century, a number of Expos nonetheless left a long-lasting mark on their host cities. The landmark House Needle within the US metropolis of Seattle, raised for the 1962 Expo, for instance, or the Atomium in Brussels, constructed for the 1958 version.
Unsplash/Wilber Díaz
The Atomium constructing within the Belgian capital was initially constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Truthful.
2) What is occurring at Dubai Expo?
The Dubai Expo is being promoted as the largest occasion held within the Arab world. It was critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled the organizers to push the launch again to 2021. It’s hoped that the Expo will kickstart a restoration of the United Arab Emirates financial system, significantly tourism, which is a very vital sector for the nation.
To entice them, an enormous 4.3 sq. kilometre web site, containing greater than 200 pavilions, has been created within the desert. Guests are promised cultural experiences, leisure, and academic reveals and talks.
Dubai continues the Expo custom of progressive structure, with the Al Wasl dome, the world’s largest unsupported dome, and largest 360-degree projection floor, as its centrepiece, and it’ll additionally showcase progressive expertise: the ride-hailing firm Uber is anticipated to reveal its flying vehicles.
In addition to the 192 nation pavilions, there are “particular pavilions”, centred across the themes of alternative, mobility, and sustainability. Certainly one of these, the “Mission Attainable” pavilion, homes the United Nations hub.
Unsplash/Nathan John
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
3) What can I see on the UN Hub?
The UN is planning a sequence of occasions and actions on the UN Hub and within the adjoining discussion board within the Alternative Pavilion, together with immersive experiences, interactive exhibitions, workshops, movie screenings, advocacy campaigns, cultural performances, and installations, in addition to dialogues and conversations round subjects associated to the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs (the targets agreed globally to cut back poverty and promote peace and equality while defending the world’s atmosphere).
The programming of the area is managed by a devoted workforce below the management of Dena Assaf, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the UAE, and Deputy Commissioner-Common of the UN at Expo, with the help of the UN Nation Crew within the UAE. There might be a extra detailed record of occasions right here.
Totally different reveals embody artistic expressions of the SDGs via artwork and pictures, a journey via the UN’s partnership with the UAE, and alternatives to be taught extra about thematic areas the place the UN makes an impression globally.
The UN Hub will present guests with a chance to be taught extra in regards to the UN and the SDGs. And, on 24 October, UN Day, a sequence of occasions will happen together with an official ceremony on the Al Wasl Dome and a efficiency by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO).
4) Why is the UN at Expo 2020?
Throughout the six months of Expo, which continues till the tip of March 2022, a number of million individuals from around the globe are anticipated to go to Dubai. For the UN, this is a chance to point out the work of the Group and clarify why it’s central to overcoming world challenges, such because the COVID-19 pandemic and local weather change, and reaching the SDGs.
Maher Nasser, the Commissioner-Common for the UN at Expo, instructed UN Information that, with the occasion convened below the theme of “connecting minds creating the longer term”, with a give attention to the SDGs, the United Nations presence contributes to the Group’s means to attach with individuals and guests.
“Given the standard of labor and reveals to the extent of curiosity seen up to now, the UN Hub will undoubtedly contribute to a greater understanding of the challenges that the world faces, and the essential significance of working collectively to beat them”, mentioned the UN official. “It would additionally lay down the groundwork for extra partnerships, and encourage guests to turn out to be engaged residents, dedicated to appearing on the problems that issues to the way forward for individuals and planet.”
Ms. Assaf declared that “the UN Nation Crew within the UAE has a portfolio on the world, regional, and nation degree, which permits them to uniquely lead engagements with the general public via the UN Hub showcasing the worth and impression of the UN worldwide. The UN Resident Coordinator Workplace within the UAE goals to strengthen its strategic partnership within the UAE by additionally offering a platform to reveal sturdy UN/UAE partnerships at Expo2020”.
“Expo2020 may even present the world with an instance of how humanity can transfer ahead from the pandemic and safely have a good time collectively once more, offering a catalyst of hope for all”, she added.
5) The place can I get extra data?
The UN at Expo web page is here, and can include details about engagements and occasions all through the six months of Expo, as they’re confirmed.
You may as well comply with the @UN_UAE #UNxExpo #UNHub on social media, and discover the newest information and updates on the UN UAE homepage .
