Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion inspires towards a cleaner planet

Inayatur-Rahman, Gulf Today

Terra - the Sustainability Pavilion is already inspiring action towards a cleaner, safer, healthier world, with 96 per cent of people who have visited the Expo 2020 Pavilions Premiere saying the experience has motivated them to change their behaviour.

Since launching at the end of January, the Pavilions Premiere has offered more than 50,000 visitors an exciting glimpse at the Sustainability Pavilion’s world-class architecture, its inspiring exhibits and the stunning surrounding areas ahead of Expo’s official opening on 1 October.

The experience includes an interactive walk through the roots of a forest and a journey of discovery into the depths of the ocean, and urges visitors to consider how their actions and consumerism impact the planet. Following their visit, 96 per cent of those surveyed said they were inspired to change their behaviour, from saving water to making a conscious effort to use less plastic.

Mohamed AlAnsaari, Vice President, Communications, Expo 2020 said: “We have been truly humbled by the public’s response to the Expo Pavilions Premiere and Terra - the Sustainability Pavilion. From the outset, our ambition for Expo 2020 has been to offer an exceptional - and meaningful - visitor experience, and the feedback that we have received from people of all ages and nationalities has clearly demonstrated that we are on track to do just that.”

“We are continuing to see high levels of demand for the Terra sneak preview and with just under one month to go until the Expo Pavilions Premiere closes as planned on April 10, we have made the decision to keep the surprise of the incredible Alif - the Mobility Pavilion and the inspiring Mission Possible - the Opportunity Pavilion for the opening of the Expo itself, which is now just over six months away.”

Rolando Martins, Chief Operations Officer, Expo 2020 said: “Delivering a safe and seamless experience for every kind of visitor has always been our highest priority and the global health challenges of the last year have put this into even sharper focus.”

“From our online ticketing platform, to signage and wayfinding, parking and security, the Pavilions Premiere has enabled us to put our processes into practice. More than 650 Expo staff have worked over 320 operational hours to date, including 150 volunteers of more than 50 nationalities, ensuring that every member of our workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge required to deliver an event of this scale and significance.”

From social distancing and capacity control to on-site rapid testing for staff and vendors, the Pavilions Premiere has included a number of best practices to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved. Expo will continue to work closely with the world’s leading medical authorities and monitor the latest science and data to deliver a safe and exciting visitor experience at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Pavilions Premiere will remain open until 10 April, with visitors able to explore the Sustainability Pavilion and surrounding areas, enjoy entertainment and children’s activities and discover a range of F&B and retail outlets. Tickets, which must be pre-booked through the Expo website, cost Dhs 25 and are complimentary for visitors aged five and under, senior citizens and people of determination.

As well as private vehicle and taxi, Expo 2020 can be reached by the Expo Rider - a dedicated, free of charge, public bus service departing from Dubai Mall bus station every 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the need to build a more dignified and just world brought together experts, Expo Partners and International Participants – alongside renowned humanitarians and a blockbuster film-maker – at Expo 2020 Dubai’s latest virtual thematic programme, Expo Talks: Global Goals.

Held in association with the United Nations on 9-10 March, the event explored the innovative solutions and concrete actions needed to turn the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a blueprint to eradicate poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change by 2030 – into reality.

Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to the Goals and its convening power to galvanise global action, Expo Talks: Global Goals, available on demand, outlined why the world needs urgent progress on the SDGs, why everyone must be involved, and how Expo 2020 will bring the SDGs to life across its entire visitor experience.

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai and Chair of the National Committee on the Sustainable Development Goals, said: “The SDGs reflect crucial issues that are relevant to us every single one of us. They are at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai and will cut across our programming in all manner of ways, from spotlighting how countries are placing sustainable development at the core of their strategies, to actively engaging, informing and inspiring millions of citizens to make a conscious difference.

“We have less than a decade left – we must all work together to build on the progress made so far, to continue to work together to make the Global Goals a reality and build a cleaner, safer, healthier, more inclusive future for all.”