The Saudi capital, which has won the support of the Elysee, is competing with Rome and Busan to host the exhibition. An ambitious project, in line with and complementary to the crown prince’s economic and social reform plan. The objectives in terms of ecology and the environment, the multimillion-dollar investments, the lack of reference to man and his freedoms.
Milan () – Taking advantage of the support of the Elysee to the detriment of Rome, Saudi Arabia launched last week from Paris Riyadh’s candidacy for the 2030 World Expo, in which it will have to overcome competition from the Italian capital and the main city South Korean port. The philosophy on which the project is based – which will have to stand out from Busan, its rival with more titles – aims to offer a global experience “unprecedented” in the history of the Expo, with a historical connotation that accompanies the “charitable nature”. of the event itself, a concept that follows directly from the chosen motto: “Era of change: leading the world towards a bright future”, with a dossier that goes from technology to innovation, from sustainability to global cooperation, with spaces dedicated to all participating countries and “equal and equitable opportunities”.
Addressing the 179 members of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), who will vote on the award in November, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah called Riyadh Expo2030 an “opportunity” to promote projects with a global impact. And to find global solutions through collaboration to common challenges using “innovation, sustainability and inclusion,” he added. For the head of the Wahhabi kingdom’s diplomacy, this is the “heart” of the proposed universal exhibition designed by the Saudis, which also includes a “package of initiatives” worth 343 million dollars to allow the participation of 100 nations with fewer resources. The allocation of resources for the construction of pavilions, maintenance, technical support, travel and participation in events is foreseen.
cost and vision
The budget assigned by the Saudi leaders, who intend to host the universal exhibition to seal the internal development plan “Vision 2030” drawn up by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) with a world event, is around 7.8 billion dollars. The Saudi Investment Minister, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, confirmed that the Expo is the end point of the ambitious project of the number two (and strong man) of the kingdom, for which 3.3 billion dollars of internal investment will be needed from here at the end of the decade, with 30% of the budget allocated only to Riyadh. According to the plan, the World Expo will be held near the King Salman International Airport, which is currently under construction, and will be easily accessible to guests and visitors via the “Riad Metro” network. The 226 planned pavilions are designed in a spherical shape, representing the Earth, with a central line that symbolizes the equator. This design and aesthetic approach is consistent with the exhibition’s mission to ensure “equal opportunity” for all participants and with design inspired by the old street style, history, culture and beauty of the capital. Conceived as a modern area built around the historic wadi (stream bed), the location represents and recalls Riyadh’s origins, its “oasis” and “garden” character, reviving the goal of paving the way towards a sustainable future. of urban centers and their inhabitants.
Visitors will be able to stroll through a contemporary green oasis within one of the tributaries of the Wadi As-Sulai, which runs through the exhibition grounds. A message from Riyadh, a nation that has founded its fortunes and wealth on oil and hydrocarbons, with a view to protecting and preserving nature, with a “responsible” approach to environmental issues and climate change. Good intentions in theory, such as the philosophy described above about equal opportunities for all, in a nation ruled by an absolute (Sunni) monarchy, where one of the fundamental human rights, religious freedom, is denied and no other is allowed form of worship other than Islam. This is another reason why, in the much-heralded path of reforms, events like the Expo and the pharaonic projects (see the futuristic city of Neom) should only be valued as a real change, a turning point, if they can really guarantee greater openness and freedom for all.
Going back to the universal exhibition project, the beating heart is represented by a structure that symbolizes the “protection of the planet”, made up of 195 columns that indicate the number of nations present. Three pavilions will surround this central element, each of which will reflect one of the exhibition’s sub-themes: Prosperity for All, Climate Action and A Different Future. Finally, the exhibition will include the Collaborative Change Corner (C3), which will foster innovation and creativity throughout the seven-year journey up to – and beyond – Riyadh Expo 2030, showcasing how cooperation between brilliant minds can “accelerate” the transformations of the future. Slogans, philosophy and thoughts encapsulated in an attempt to make Riyadh Expo 2030 the “Most Sustainable and Influential World Expo in History”, starting with “Carbon Neutrality”.
reforms and freedoms
The importance of the game on the Expo, which has Riyadh and Busan among the favorites to dispute the final victory, while the candidacy of Rome seems to be left behind, is clear from the words and proclamations of the high officials of the State and the personalities involved in the project. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Envoy for Climate, Prince Adel Al Jubeir, confirmed that the event “is in line with all the implementation objectives of our 2030 Vision”. “We want the world to see Saudi Arabia and we want Saudi Arabia to see the world,” he added. “That’s why we’re dedicating a huge amount of resources.”
The philosophy and the driving force of the Expo, therefore, revolve around the general plan of “Vision 2030”, strongly promoted by MBS, and which appears as the final stage that feeds the narrative of a vibrant society, a prosperous economy and an ambitious nation. With this in mind, the “vision” of the exhibition reinforces the city’s ambition to become a world hub. At the center of the reform project are the sectors of finance, entertainment (from multimillion-dollar investments in football to cinema, although with too many censorship of films, especially if they focus on “sensitive” topics such as homosexuality or religion) or sustainable development. Mazen Tammar, general director of the Riyadh bid, underlined the synergy between the city’s ambitions and the transformative potential of the event. “We believe there is a perfect synergy between the World Expo and the ambitions we have for Riyadh, making it the ideal city to host this global event.” Princess Haifa Al Mogrin, Saudi Arabia’s permanent delegate to UNESCO, recalled the commitment to an “international responsibility” perspective, sharing experiences and creating “a platform” that is at the service of the world. Noble proclamations and ambitious projects, which can certainly be carried out by the Saudi war machine. Only one word is missing, a promise, a reference to the man (and the woman), to his rights and freedoms. That they go hand in hand -and of course cannot be separated- from development opportunities.
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