Italy’s bid to host World Expo 2030

Kathmandu, 11 October: As Italy has presented its candidature to host the 2030 Universal Exposition, or Expo in Rome, under the theme ‘People and territories: urban regeneration, inclusion, and innovation’ to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Italy’s Ambassador to India and Nepal Vincenzo De Luca and Honorary Consul General of Italy to Nepal Pratima Pande, on Monday held a candidature presentation ceremony and photographic exhibition on Rome.

While addressing the event Ambassador Luca highlighted the importance of expo and selection of Rome including subsisting cordial bilateral relation between Italy and Nepal. “Rome, since its inception, given its location in the center of the Mediterranean and a crossroad between three continents, has sourced ideas and talent from beyond its borders. The exceptional collection of art and culture would never have existed without the contributions of many other cultures. Rome as a result is a unique tapestry of history, nature and peoples, a modern capital visited by millions of travelers, where people have been living together, united by the values of freedom and mutual recognition as was the case two thousand years earlier,” he said elaborating the elegance of picturesque city of Rome. Consul General Pande hosted a reception in honour of the Ambassador Luca led delegation. Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Poudyal, heads of diplomatic mission, members of diplomatic corps, regional and international organizations, honorary consul generals of various countries to Nepal, industrialists, businessmen and senior journalists were present on the occasion.

Consul General Pande shared that the amount collected from exhibition will be provided to the promotion of art and artists. It may be noted that the BIE has also received candidature dossiers from Korea (Busan), Ukraine (Odesa) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) to organize World Expo 2030. On 21 October, the BIE’s Executive Committee will meet to discuss the evaluation of projects for World Expo 2030 including the organisation of Enquiry Missions, which are set to take place between January and March 2023, in late November, candidates will have the opportunity to present their Expo projects to Member States during the 171st General Assembly of the BIE.