The 2017 edition of the Dubai Forum for Government Best Practices opened today in the Dubai World Trade Center. Around 1,800 public sector and policy experts are gathered for the 7-8 November forum under the theme “An Inspirational Government Shapes the Future and Achieves Happiness.”

The forum is taking place less than three years before the opening of World Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE, and features a keynote presentation by the Deputy Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri Kerkentzes, on the subject of how Expos can shape the future.

In a speech entitled “Future in Minds: World Expos, Springboards for Progress,” Mr. Kerkentzes highlighted the benefits of organizing an Expo for the host country, while also shedding light on the wider impact of an Expo’s legacy on achieving happiness for citizens.

During his presentation, the Deputy Secretary General emphasized the role that Expos play as catalysts for urban transformation and as platforms for cooperation and innovation. He drew on success stories from past Expos, including the recent example of Specialized Expo 2017 Astana, in order to illustrate the different ways that Expos contribute to policy goals and generate happiness among those involved in them and those who visit them.

He also expressed his belief that World Expo 2020 will be a transformational event for Dubai and for the UAE, stating that it will “contribute to reinforce Dubai as a place where ideas meet and where innovation, creativity and connections can bloom.”

The Government Best Practices Forum is an initiative of the Dubai Government Excellence Program. Now in its tenth year, it hosts international speakers and experts in government sectors to highlight the professional practices that have elevated the quality and efficiency of government work. The forum promotes values of institutional learning, self-development and the continuous improvement of employees and managers of government agencies in different disciplines. This ultimately contributes to long-term sustainability and success in government work.