Expo 2020 to postpone due to COVID-19 outbreak
As the spread of COVID-19 halts operations around the world, Expo 2020 seeks to postpone its event by one year.
Globally the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected most aspects of everyday life, with many organisations shutting down their operations for the foreseeable future to maintain the safety of the population.
Currently in the UAE, the confirmed cases have further risen to 814 by 150 since yesterday, as a result Expo 2020 has become the latest to seek to postpone its event this year.
Following this decision participating nations have offered their full support and solidarity after Expo 2020 Dubai explored the potential of a one year postponement due to the current pandemic.
Due to the significant impact of the virus, many countries suggested that the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai should be postponed until October 2021 while the world focuses on navigating the current situation.
This decision has been agreed by The Steering Committee to explore the possibility of a one year delay alongside the World Expo governing body.
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), will also work with the member states and Expo 2020 Dubai organisers to establish the change in date. A final decision on the postponement can only be made by the BIE’s General Assembly and requires a two-thirds majority vote from the member states.
The recommendation of postponing Expo 2020 Dubai came from weeks of consultations with key UAE and international stakeholders, reviewing the impact of COVID-19 on the preparations and plans for Expo 2020.
SEE ALSO:
- COVID-19: Visa and Noon promote 100% contactless payments
- COVID-19: UAE donates over US$12.3mn to combat the virus
- COVID-19: Emirates NBD supporting the UAE economy
- Read the latest issue of Business Chief, Middle East edition, here
Comments from the participating regions: India
“While we have been looking forward to showcasing the best of India alongside the rest of the world at Expo 2020, our shared values as global citizens place on us the responsibility to accord priority to safeguarding global public health as the world’s most urgent need at this time,” commented Shri Bidyut Behari Swain, Additional Secretary at the Department of Commerce and Commissioner General of India at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“When the time is right, which we are confident shall be soon, we will all convene for a great celebration with renewed optimism and hope, in the spirit of global cooperation for the future. At this time, we reaffirm our resolve to work together for an end to this pandemic at the earliest possible.’’
Egypt
“Egypt appreciates the efforts undertaken by the UAE Government and the BIE to convene Expo 2020 Dubai. We also commend their efforts to accommodate the various needs and requests of all participants. Egypt is committed to a successful event as much as it is committed to all actions taken or to be agreed upon to ensure the safety of all international and domestic visitors,” commented Dr Ahmed Maghawry Diab, Commissioner General of Egypt at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Brazil
“Our path hasn’t changed course; it is just a bit longer. The World Expo in Dubai will still be an amazing event that brings out the best of our humanity, and Brazil wholeheartedly supports the decision to seek a postponement until 2020,” commented Sérgio Segóvia, Commissioner General of Brazil at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Columbia
“We applaud the idea of the BIE and Expo 2020 Dubai organisers to consider exploring new dates for the Expo. Today, more than ever the next World Expo represents an opportunity for the world to show the impact of this type of event. We are sure that the outcome of these efforts will result in a more impactful Expo and will better reflect the objectives of the 192 participating countries,” commented Juan Pablo Cavelier, Commissioner General of Colombia at Expo 2020 Dubai.
For more information on business topics in the Middle East, please take a look at the latest edition of Business Chief Middle East.
