UAE proposes delaying Expo 2020 due to coronavirus (VIDEO)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is exploring the idea of delaying Expo 2020 in Dubai for one year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

World Expos are a major global business and cultural events targeted at presenting solutions for the pressing challenges of our time by “offering a journey inside a universal theme through engaging and immersive activities.”

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The event is hosted every five years in cities around the world selected by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris.

The theme for Expo 2020 Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”

The UAE’s decision to postpone has received support from several “significant international and regional organizations,” according to a post on the official Expo 2020 Dubai website.

“They join a long list of participating nations and official commercial partners that have also shown support for the possible postponement,” the post explains.

“After the significant impact of COVID-19 on global public, social and economic health led many International Participants to suggest delaying the opening of Expo 2020 while they focus on navigating the escalating situation.”

 

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A post shared by Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) on Mar 31, 2020 at 6:42am PDT

On March 30, the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee, comprised of Expo leadership, International Participants, and BIE representatives, have agreed to explore the possibility of postponing the opening of Expo 2020 by one year.

The BIE will host a meeting of its Executive Committee on April 21 to determine a judgement on the proposed delay.

From there, it will administer a recommendation to all BIE member states, which would lead to a vote where a majority of two-thirds will be needed for a final decision.

The UAE government has formally requested alteration in the dates of Expo 2020 Dubai, starting October 1, 2021, and running until March 31, 2022.

“Expo 2020 remains steadfast in delivering a World Expo that is true to its founding purpose: to provide a global platform to address shared challenges and seek solutions in the spirit of international cooperation and global solidarity,” the post continues.

“Such an event, which will see more than 200 countries and international organizations come together to work towards a brighter future, will be needed more than ever.”