Astana EXPO-2017 is one of Kazakhstan's key projects to position itself as a world hub on sustainable energy. Since the Expo was «recognized» by the BIE last June, the Expo teams have been able to officially start promoting their project and inviting countries to participate.

Travis Kososki, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC National Company Astana EXPO-2017, tells us all about how they are preparing for the event and its expected impacts on a local and global scale.

BIE: Astana 2017 held its first Future Energy Forum last October. It was dedicated to the Expo's first subtheme 'Reducing CO2 emissions'.

Travis Kososki: The Future Energy Forum has helped bolster Kazakhstan's role as a Central Asian leader in promoting the need to develop responsible, sustainable energy policies. The forum is one of the many tools that Astana EXPO-2017 is using, and will use, to raise awareness on the theme of the Expo: "Future Energy."

This 1st Future Energy Forum was very successful. More than 20 international experts and over 10 international organizations attended the event, such as the International Energy Agency, ESCAP, OSCE, Global Green Growth Institute, Energy Charter, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and the Alternative Energy Research Institute of Houston University. The presence of these leading experts and institutions has not only reinforced the scientific focus of Astana EXPO-2017, it has firmly established EXPO-2017 as one of the leading global platforms on sustainable energy.

The Future Energy Forum is also an ideal opportunity to establish cooperation between international governments, social and business structures, and academic communities, including universities, academic institutes, research centers, public foundations and NGOs.

What do you expect from the next two forums?

The two Forums still to be held will be dedicated to the 2 other subthemes of the Expo. The ultimate goal of the Forums is to produce Astana EXPO-2017 "Manifesto of Values and Principles," a document that brings together an alliance of governments, organizations, businesses, environmental groups and consumers. The Manifesto will encourage and motivate all stakeholders to cooperate in creating a more sustainable future by reaching energy efficiency targets, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, generating clean energy and investing in developing countries.

In addition to the Future Energy Forum, there are many events taking place, and indeed lots have already taken place, in the run-up to the opening of the EXPO. Could you tell us a little bit about how you are planning to engage the international community and the general public with the EXPO?

Immediately after the recognition of the Expo by the BIE last June, Astana EXPO-2017 hosted a number of large events and launched a national media campaign to raise awareness on the Expo. In addition, we launched an international PR campaign, which, amongst other activities, involved advertising on both Euronews and the BBC. These initiatives are already showing great results, with a 27% growth in media coverage locally and overseas. Our estimates now indicate there is over 90% awareness of the Exhibition amongst the citizens of Kazakhstan.

We aim to engage all types of audiences, both nationally and internationally. Our Communication plan includes different strategies for attracting the involved audience (b2b) and a wide audience (b2c).

For the involved audience, we are planning to participate in many events across the world such as the Abu-Dhabi Energy Forum, World Economic Forum in Davos or Tourism Fairs. We also plan to host events, forums, and round-tables in a number of international cities, as well as expanding the reach of our PR campaign with additional global media partners such as CNN, CNBC, and various Russian channels.

The general public in Kazakhstan will be engaged directly through cultural and entertainment events such as the National Days of Kazakhstan, Astana Anniversary Day, Labor Day, large popular music concerts, as well as through a targeted media campaign.

With EXPO-2017 having been officially recognized by the BIE, Kazakhstan can start inviting countries to participate. What are the next steps?

After the official recognition of Astana EXPO-2017, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and the Prime Minister, Karim Massimov, wrote to countries from around the world inviting them to participate in the Expo.

Astana EXPO-2017 has a targeted approach to attracting participation, with numerous channels of communication open with country delegates. We have been actively holding bilateral meetings and will continue to do so, at the same time as we promote EXPO-2017 through our diplomatic channels and embassies.

The Commissioner of EXPO-2017 has drawn up a busy travel schedule and will be personally visiting many countries to discuss participation in the event. We will be hosting International Planning Meetings in Astana for delegates from the invited countries. The first of these took place this October with attendance from over 86 countries, which laid the groundwork for a successful campaign. In addition, we are actively participating in inter-governmental commissions, forums, and business councils, all with the purpose of encouraging participation in Astana EXPO-2017.

EXPO Milano 2015 is another of the major platforms where we will have the opportunity to converse with BIE delegates about their countries' participation in EXPO-2017.

The construction of the EXPO site is well underway. Could you tell us about what you have already achieved and what the next steps are?

As of today, the preparatory works, including excavation, land preparation, fencing, temporary road construction, removal of trees, etc., have been completed. We are currently working on the installation of the foundation piles, the construction of monolithic reinforced concrete foundations, as well as putting up retaining walls. Major work for all the Expo buildings is underway, which include the International Pavilions (14 units), Thematic Pavilions (4 units), Commercial Pavilions (3 units), Energy Hall, Kazakhstan National Pavilion, and Congress Hall.

What impact do you hope EXPO-2017 will have on Kazakhstan?

EXPO-2017 is more than just an exhibition. It is an event that will put Kazakhstan in the international spotlight throughout the whole of 2017. The EXPO will run from 10 June to 20 September, during which time Kazakhstan will host delegations from over 100 countries, strengthening diplomatic relations, promoting discussions on international trade and commerce and hosting debates on key global topics.

The EXPO, by creating a platform to showcase cutting edge technologies that could provide solutions to energy issues, will establish Kazakhstan as a global leader on the challenge of future energies and it will serve as a catalyst for Kazakhstan's transition to a "green" economy.

EXPO-2017 will also have a multiplier effect by increasing foreign investment, international trade and tourism.

Visit the official site of the Expo.