The latest news from the World Expo Museum in Paris: Member States of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) today elected Saudi Arabia as host country of World Expo 2030 during the 173rd General Assembly of the Organisation.

　　A two-thirds majority of Member States voted for Saudi Arabia’s project to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, between 1 October 2030 and 31 March 2031.

　　Three countries were in the running to host World Expo 2030. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the other candidates were the Republic of Korea (Busan) with the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future” and Italy (Rome) with the theme “People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation”.

　　Time to celebrate

　　Eligible and present Member States, represented by government-appointed delegates, elected the host country in a secret ballot using electronic voting, on the principle of one country, one vote. Securing 119 votes in the first round, Saudi Arabia was elected outright, as it received the two-thirds majority required.