(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Alexandra Evangelista |
The Peninsula
Busan: South Korea is in a crucial time as it awaits a verdict that could unlock the country's newest breakthrough. There is less than two months left in the countdown before Busan, the country's second largest city, ascertains its triumph as the next host for the World expo 2030.
Busan's bid is challenged by two final candidates - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Rome, Italy. Despite the fierce competition, Busan has been arduously convincing the world and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the event's governing body, on why Busan is the most suited candidate to host the distinguished quinquennial world fair.
The thriving city of over 3 million people has thus far exhibited its versatility as a transportation and logistics hub, in addition to being a cultural and tourism household name for tourists converging in the country.
By obtaining the hosting rights, Busan aspires to emphasise the significance of the World Expo as a platform to form collective solutions for pressing global crises, celebrate technological advancements, and welcome diverse cultures. It also highlighted the event coinciding with UN's target year for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making the Expo a momentous gathering for all.
According to Kim Young-gun, the Head of Public Affairs Team Bid Secretariat for the World Expo 2030 Busan, the candidate city aims to achieve this goal by hosting the event under three themes: sustainable living with nature, technology for humanity, and platform for caring and sharing.
Should the nation win the bid,“Visitors to World Expo 2030 Busan will be able to participate in a communication forum to address common issues facing humanity such as climate change, inequality, and technological gaps,” he said.
Furthermore, bagging the host title will further drive the nation's endeavours for the North Port Redevelopment Project which will transform the proposed candidate site, Busan North Port, into a global centre for maritime industries. The North Port, since 1876, has been the advanced base of trade handling most of South Korea's import and export volume which in turn drives growth of the country.
“This megaproject will rejuvenate the old port into a futuristic city where port facilities and new growth engines coexist,” Kim told The Peninsula.
“By linking the redevelopment project and the expo, we plan to utilize the North Port as an expo site and return it to the citizens after the expo,” he added.
Indeed, the people of Korea will have their eyes on Busan as the Bureau International des Expositions convenes in November this year, during its 173rd General Assembly, to elect the host country of the World Expo 2030. The winning host city will succeed the World Expo 2025 which will take place in Osaka, Japan between April to October under the theme“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
MENAFN24102023000063011010ID1107291378
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.