The Executive Committee of the International Bureau of Exhibitions unanimously agreed to postpone the Expo 2020 Dubai to the period from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Given that changing the dates of any international Expo requires the support of the Member States of the International Bureau of Exhibitions by a two-thirds majority (according to Article No. 28 of the Paris Convention of 1928 ), Member States will now be invited to vote on the recommendation of the Executive Committee. Voting will take place between Friday, April 24 and Friday, May 29.
The members of the Executive Committee met today remotely - they are representatives of 12 countries elected by the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Exhibitions - to study the change of dates requested by the government of the United Arab Emirates. The submission of this request came after the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee meeting on March 30th, when participating countries expressed their need to postpone the opening of the international event in order to overcome the pandemic challenges "Covid-19".
After assessing the unexpected impact of "Covid-19" on public health, economic activity, and the restrictions of the global movement, the Executive Committee agreed collectively to recommend approval of the UAE's request to postpone the international event and to retain the name "Expo 2020 Dubai".
In view of the impossibility of holding a General Assembly, member states will be asked to cast their votes remotely before Friday, May 29.
If the proposal secures a vote of the Member States eligible to vote and participate in it, by a two-thirds majority, then the term of the Expo 2020 Dubai will become official from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
"Expo International is a collective endeavor that expresses the common international goal of advancing all of humanity. I am confident that when the time is right, Expo 2020 Dubai will be the perfect platform to create a better and brighter future for all, with optimism," said Dimitri Kirkkins, Secretary-General of the International Exhibition Office. And renewed hope. "
Alain Bergeret, delegate of France and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Bureau of Exhibitions, said: "The willingness of the United Arab Emirates to listen to the participating countries, and its practical approach in taking the necessary steps towards postponement, demonstrate once again its firm commitment to hosting an inclusive and truly inspiring international Expo. The exhibitions fully support the UAE’s request for the postponement, and recommends that the countries of the world reach the same consensus.
Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of the Expo 2020 Dubai office added: "We welcome the recommendation issued today by the Executive Committee of the International Bureau of Exhibitions to support the request of the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee regarding the delay of the international event for a year."
She continued: "Now, the formal process begins to agree to the postponement, and we look forward to constructive work with the member states of the International Exhibitions Bureau, our friends, and our partners, to confirm that the first of October 2021 is the new date that the International Expo will open, and the United Arab Emirates welcomes the world I collect. "
“Solidarity and unity have distinguished the work of the International Exhibitions Bureau from its birth. The International Expo is an expression of collective participation that brings humanity together in a spirit of peace and cooperation. Now, it is up to our member states to decide on the date of our meeting in Dubai, to celebrate innovation and cooperation for humanity.”