The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has received candidature dossiers from the Republic of Korea (Busan), Italy (Rome), Ukraine (Odesa) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) to organise World Expo 2030.

The submission of these candidature dossiers, comprehensive documents detailing each Expo project, is a key and compulsory step for each candidate country to enter the project examination phase of the candidature process.

Candidature dossiers outline each candidate’s vision for the Expo, including details on the planned Expo site and experience, the theme, and the planned legacy. They also lay out projections on visit numbers, financing and costs.

The contents of the candidature dossiers will notably serve as the basis for the work of BIE Enquiry Missions and will be used by BIE Member States to evaluate the interest of each Expo project, alongside the reports of the BIE Enquiry Missions and candidate presentations.

On 21 October, the BIE’s Executive Committee will meet to discuss the evaluation of projects for World Expo 2030 including the organisation of Enquiry Missions, which are set to take place between January and March 2023, In late November, candidates will have the opportunity to present their Expo projects to Member States during the 171st General Assembly of the BIE.

The Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, indicated: “Each candidate dossier will be studied closely to evaluate compliance with Expo rules. The development of the theme, site plans and participant and visitor forecasts outlined in each dossier also provide BIE Member States with a detailed vision for each World Expo project”.

The Republic of Korea’s candidature is for a World Expo in Busan between 1 May and 31 October 2030 under the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future”.

The Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes (left) with the First Vice Minister for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, Mr Young-jin Jang (right)

Italy’s candidature is for a World Expo in Rome between 1 May and 31 October 2030 under the theme “People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation”.

Left to right: The Chairman of the Candidature Committee for Expo 2030 Roma, H.E. Giampiero Massolo, the Deputy Director General/Principal Director for integrated promotion and innovation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Cecilia Piccioni, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, and the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Manlio Di Stefano

Ukraine’s candidature is for a World Expo in Odesa between 26 April and 14 October 2030 under the theme “Renaissance. Technology. Future.”.

Ukraine’s candidature dossier to organise World Expo 2030 in Odesa has been submitted to the BIE. A copy of the dossier was handed to the BIE Secretary General, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, by the Ambassador of Ukraine to France, Vadym Omelchenko

Saudi Arabia’s candidature is for a World Expo in Riyadh between 1 October 2030 and 31 March 2031 under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”.

Left to right: Mr. Amjad Shacker, Acting SCEGA CEO, HH Haifa Al Mogrin, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, H.E. Fahd Al Rasheed, RCRC CEO, H.E. Fahad Al Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador to the Republic of France

At the end of the project examination phase, BIE Member States, on the principle of one country one vote, will elect the World Expo 2030 host country by secret ballot during the 173rd General Assembly of the BIE, set to take place in November 2023.

World Expos, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, are global gatherings of nations addressing universal challenges of our time. These unparalleled global events offer a journey inside a chosen theme through engaging and immersive activities. Taking place every five years and lasting up to six months, World Expos welcome tens of millions of visitors, allow countries to build extraordinary pavilions, and transform the host city for years to come.

The most recent World Expo, Expo 2020 Dubai took place under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, and received over 24 million visits between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022. The next World Expo will take place in Osaka, Kansai, Japan in 2025, under the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives.