A delegation representing Floriade Expo 2022 Amsterdam-Almere presented a progress report of the Expo preparations and ongoing activities on the occasion of the 166th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

　　Chief Operations Officer Sven Stimac

　　After approving a change of dates, so that Expo 2022 will be open from 14 April to 9 October, Member States were informed about the development and execution of the Master Plan. Chief Operations Officer Sven Stimac notably indicated that two main outdoor areas have been reserved for international participants, and that the first confirmed countries having already selected the location of their gardens.

　　The Expo site’s Arboretum is also making progress, with more than 1,000 trees having been donated by the Dutch horticultural sector. Member States were also given further details on the Dutch Innovation Experience, which will serve as a laboratory for innovation for future urban life and is being developed in collaboration with Universities, knowledge platforms and companies.

　　Cindy Heijdra, Agricultural Councillor at the Embassy of The Netherlands in France

　　Cindy Heijdra, Agricultural Councillor at the Embassy of The Netherlands in France, stated that seven countries have confirmed their participation, with many more expected in 2020. Ms Heijdra encouraged Member States to see their participation as an opportunity to achieve long-term collaboration, declaring:“part of the invitation is a call to share knowledge and experiences on the Floriade theme 'Growing Green Cities'".

　　The development of the theme is taking place through the continued organisation of Floriade Dialogue sessions, including one on the occasion of the Dutch National Day at Horticultural Expo 2019 Beijing, and another that will be organise during World Expo 2020 Dubai. Additionally, on 28 October, a Floriade Dialogue session was held in the Netherlands in combination with an Information Day, gathering representatives of 55 countries.

　　Organisers of Floriade Expo 2022 are also generating an impact on the local community, indicated Mr. Stimac. The Floriade Preview Center will shortly be opened, offering local residents a sneak peak of the upcoming Horticultural Expo, and a fourth edition of the Floriade Festival will be held in 2020.