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SAUDI ARABIA - Diplomacy

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes

Secretary General, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE)

Bio

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes has been Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation that regulates and oversees International Exhibitions, since 2020. Kerkentzes joined the BIE in 2003 and was appointed deputy secretary general in 2015. He graduated from the University of Kent. A Greek national born in London, Kerkentzes speaks English, French, and Greek.

World Expos are by their very nature inclusive and universal events that gather a multitude of nations and cultures in pursuit of progress for all.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), talks to TBY about the benefits of playing host and expectations for Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

Since the first World Expo of 1851, what core principles or values have been pivotal in guiding Expo’s growth and success?
The first World Expo in 1851 was destined towards educating the public about the numerous changes brought about by the industrial revolution and technological advancements. Under the theme “Industry of All Nations”, Expo 1851 London gathered nations in pursuit of shared progress. While much has changed since then, the core values of education, innovation and cooperation remain the underlying objectives of Expos, having for over 170 years driven the content of these mega-events and the enthusiasm they generate. Over the years, Expos have evolved, while continuing to serve their core mission of educating the public, encouraging cooperation, and fostering progress. Today, in an increasingly connected and fast-paced world, Expos are inclusive and multilateral instruments for sharing practices and constructively contributing to global debates. With humankind’s most pressing challenges knowing no borders, Expos bring people together in an open and accessible format, encouraging all aspects of society to engage and to become part of the solution.

Could you elaborate on the importance and benefits for a country to host the Expo event nowadays? How you foresee the future role and potential of Expos?
World Expos are by their very nature inclusive and universal events that gather a multitude of nations and cultures in pursuit of progress for all. As such, the benefits of Expos can be measured on a range of different scales – from the unique experiences of visitors, the new opportunities provided to the host country and participants, and the global dialogue and progress made on thematic subjects. For the host city and host country, organising a World Expo has the potential to be the engine of change, creating major potential for economic growth and citizen engagement. The organisation of these major events can lead to significant infrastructure development and the creation or redevelopment of new urban districts, bringing long term benefits to the host city. Through construction, planning, tourism and the development of new industries, Expos can create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and actively spur regional development. Moving forward, I see World Expos increasingly being characterised by their power of transformation, sowing the seeds for long-term cultural growth and supporting sustainable and inclusive economic models. Given the interconnected nature of all the most pressing global challenges, organising an Expo is a unique opportunity to create a multilateral and inclusive space where, over the course of six months, nations can meet, and ideas, points of view and solutions can be shared for a different, better tomorrow.

How do you assess Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh? What key challenges, from logistical to geopolitical, do you foresee that Expo organizers, in particular Expo 2030 Riyadh, can anticipate to ensure a successful and transformative event?
Organising a World Expo is a long and complex journey, one that requires careful planning, skilful diplomacy and a strong creative spirit. When assessing the candidature project proposed by Saudi Arabia, the BIE found that all that is necessary to host a successful Expo is either already in place or will be implemented in the coming years. With the bid project considered viable, Member States of the BIE then elected Saudi Arabia as host country in a very competitive race, demonstrating the broad trust of the international community in the country’s ability to host such an event. As with all mega-events, the organisers will of course face challenges in the journey ahead, which will require adaptation, resilience and determination. Throughout the process, the BIE will work in close coordination with the Organisers as well as participating nations to ensure the smoothest possible path towards 2030. This process encompasses several steps as the project transforms into reality, with the current task being the preparation of the Registration Dossier – a detailed plan for the implementation of the Expo – which is to be submitted to the BIE General Assembly for approval.

Saudi Arabia is focusing on its unprecedented blueprint transformation plan under Vision 2030, giving a strong emphasis towards a diversified, sustainable and innovative economy: how do you see the role and purpose of Expo 2030 Riyadh impacting locally and globally, in terms of socio-economic development and cultural changes?
With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is embarking on a bold project to sustainably transform its economy and its role in the world, placing it in a privileged position to shape the future for people and the planet. At the same time, as 2030 approaches and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals grow in urgency, broad global consensus will be required in moving the world’s agenda forward, in defining the ambition and scope of the post-2030 era. In hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the centre of global discussions, asking its own people – and people from around the world – what kind of future is wanted and how this future can be achieved. With the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, Saudi Arabia is inviting countries from around the world not only to exchange on the opportunities and challenges facing the world, but also to actively use foresight in planning for the future. Expo 2030 Riyadh will bring countries, international organisations, businesses and citizens together to conceive a blueprint for a different, better tomorrow. With people and the planet facing risks in the short, medium and long term, Expo 2030 Riyadh will actively contribute to a re-energised world in which cooperation, dialogue and collaboration bring forward the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.

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