Industry leaders and global experts in the fields of Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity, the Dubai Expo 2020 subthemes, facilitated discussions with representatives from the 167 member nations of the Bureau international des Expositions (BIE) on the final day of the Dubai Expo 2020 Theme Symposium, entitled Connecting Minds, Creating the Future: Partnerships for Global Innovation and Sustainable Development.

During the Plenary Session, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, spoke about how infrastructure, a key factor for mobility and connectivity, not only contributes to a country’s economic growth but also allows for the international economic integration of other nations.  He highlighted the development of Jebel Ali Port, the flagship port of DP World and the largest container port between Rotterdam and Singapore, and the significant role it plays in facilitating global trade; ultimately contributing to Dubai becoming the third largest re-export hub in the world.

Strategically located just ten minutes from the proposed Dubai Expo 2020 site, His Excellency highlighted the benefits and opportunities that Jebel Ali Port and the UAE’s operational readiness could bring to a World Expo in Dubai, both for its visitors and participants.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Managing Director of Dubai Expo 2020, further highlighted the global relevance of Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity, the Dubai Expo 2020 subthemes. Her Excellency said “The issues addressed by our subthemes, energy and water, transportation, job creation, market access for example, are critical components of any type of development agenda. They are interconnected areas where we witness huge change. If we have the ambition and commitment to tackle the complex challenges the world is facing we have to take a holistic approach. The foundation of our theme is the recognition that we cannot face these challenges alone and Expo Live, the Dubai Expo 2020 programme of global collaboration, is a concrete mechanism to develop innovative solutions together to deliver direct impact in global communities around the world.”

Before breaking for lunch, each subtheme was explored in interactive panel discussions with industry leaders and global experts.

The sessions also provided an opportunity for the delegates to share their own thoughts and country perspectives on the Dubai Expo 2020 theme and subthemes. Understanding the variety of country priorities, experiences and objectives is of particular importance to Dubai Expo 2020. The global innovation programme, Expo Live, will engage with all participants in the seven years that lead up to 2020 to identify the priorities within Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity.

Supported by a 100 million Euro Expo Partnership Fund, Expo Live will bring creative minds from across the world together in partnership to develop innovative solutions that deliver direct impact in communities around the world, before, during and after Dubai Expo 2020.

The solutions and projects of Expo Live will find a home at Dubai Expo 2020 in a newly created Innovation Pavilion that will inspire, attract and engage the 25 million expected visitors with content-rich exhibitions.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy closed the morning sessions reiterating the aim of Dubai Expo 2020 to deliver a tangible legacy of innovative solutions and ideas in the fields of Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity. 

In the afternoon delegates had the opportunity to explore Dubai and the UAE with thematic and cultural tours highlighting some of the UAE’s key assets and initiatives.

Dubai is competing against three other candidate cities in its bid to host the World Expo in 2020. The final decision will be made on 27 November.