News
BIE: Busan has what it takes to host the World Expo
BIE officials meet with Busan city officials during a press conference on April 6.
During a press conference on April 6, representatives from the Bureau International des Expositions applauded Busan's readiness to host the 2030 World Expo.
"Busan has everything it takes to hold the World Expo," said Patrick Specht, President of the BIE Administration and Budget Committee, who led the BIE delegation on its six-day on-site inspection to evaluate Busan's candidacy
Specht spoke highly of the city's viability to host the World Expo from financial and logistical perspectives. He also noted the support given to Busan's bid from the government, business leaders, and citizens.
During their visit, the delegation reviewed the Busan Initiative, an international cooperation project that is a core strategy of the city's candidacy. The envoys praised the city's efforts, saying that the initiative aligns with the spirit of the World Expo
The Busan Initiative aims to bring countries together to address issues facing the world, including the digital divide, climate change, and public health crises, while sharing Korea's unique experiences in transforming from a country that received aid to a country now giving out aid. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo proposed the initiative during a presentation on Busan's bid to host the Expo at the 171st General Assembly of the BIE in Paris.
BIE Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes believes the Busan Initiative is the strength of the city's candidacy because of its potential to build global partnerships and strategies. He stated, "Expos are not just six-month events. It's the whole process leading up to the event, and perhaps even more importantly, it's what we do with what we learn from this event afterward.
During the press conference, Korea expressed its concerns regarding consecutive Expos in Asia, given the 2025 World Expo will be held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
However, the delegation clearly stated that no such regulations restrict Expos from being held consecutively on the same continent and thus would not factor into the host city vote.
Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon expected a positive review from the BIE delegation regarding the city's ability to play host and stated, "We have shown them that `Busan is ready' for the World Expo 2030.
The press conference concluded a busy week for the BIE envoys and city officials. Having arrived in Seoul on April 2, the delegation received detailed presentations of the candidature project, visited the proposed Expo site, and exchanged with national and local officials, as well as representatives of the business community and members of civil society over six days
The delegation will finish the inspection report by May, which will be circulated to all 171 member countries during the BIE General Assembly at the end of June. The Busan report, as well as the inspection reports from Rome, Italy; Odesa, Ukraine; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be crucial to BIE member states as they elect the World Expo 2030 host city this November.
<EXPO WEEK Highlights>
Citizens'welcome gala at the Busan Eurasia Platform made BIE delegates feel like rockstars.
BIE reps visit the UN Cemetery.
K-Culture Night showcased Korea's brightest musical acts.
Gwangalli fireworks show capped off busy week.