Circular economic solutions

The Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is hosting a waste management exhibition entitled “No Time To Waste” to showcase circular economy solutions on managing and recycling waste to generate value. The exhibition is running until Dec.10, 2021.

The exhibition serves as an opportunity to showcase Switzerland’s innovative solutions on how waste can be recycled and harvested for beneficial purposes so that people and communities could use them. It is also an excellent platform to raise awareness on the environmental issues caused by the increase in trash generation, and to underline the importance of circular economy in preserving the environment.

The `No Time to Waste’ exhibit also focuses on upcycling different waste materials. For instance, the pavilion is highlighting how plastic is recycled to fashion materials, extracting gold from used smartphones, the power of worms in composting organic waste, etc.

Manuel Salchli, Commissioner General of the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Trash, whether on earth or in space, is a vexing and snowballing issue confronting the world now. We seem to be piling up trash without thinking of its consequences to people, environment and the climate. It is high time and imperative that we create awareness on this and enhance sustainable waste management.”  

`No time to Waste’ exhibition follows the announcement of the Swiss-Middle East Circular Economy for Youth Initiative (SMECEYI) winners, which provided an opportunity for students to produce out-of-the-box renewable ideas to catalyse circular economy.

From his side, Dante Larini, Project Manager of the Swissnex at the Swiss Pavilion, said: “Organising the exhibit “No Time to Waste” at Expo 2020 Dubai means that we can connect with a large and multifarious audience, and look at efficient ways to recycle and upcycle different materials. The Swiss exhibit is also endeavouring to portray Waste, as an opportunity with its letters corresponding to Wealth, Art, Sustainability, Technology and Education.”

Although consumption rates are above the global average, Switzerland is considered a recycling role model because of its waste collection, separation and recovery system.

In addition to a state-of-the-art waste management infrastructure, the authorities actively encourage the population to recycle as much as they can.  

In Switzerland, over 50 percent of household waste is recycled. Switzerland was the first country to confirm its participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai.  The Swiss Pavilion offers a unique encounter with Switzerland. It highlights Switzerland as a country of scenic beauty and a leading hub of technology and innovation by presenting the excellence of Swiss universities, start-ups and companies as well as creating joint events with local partners.

The Swiss Pavilion relies on a public-private partnership model. It promotes Switzerland’s economic capacity and attractiveness to the UAE – the most important trading partner in the Middle East. It turns the spotlight on its high-quality products and services together with its partners Schindler, Rolex SA, Switzerland Tourism, Roche, Clariant, Novartis, Nestlé, and KGS Diamond Group Ltd and suppliers.

Presence Switzerland oversees the Swiss Pavilion. It is the unit of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for Switzerland’s image abroad and Switzerland’s official presence in international events, such as World Expos.

The selected project ‘Reflections’ was designed by the Swiss project team OOS AG (architecture), Bellprat Partner AG (scenography) and Lorenz Eugster Landscaping GmbH (landscaping) and built by General contractor Expomobilia.

Swissnex is the global network connecting Switzerland and the world in education, research, and innovation. At the Swiss Pavilion, Swissnex presents content based on the Expo theme weeks, which are linked to the UN sustainable. Development goals.

Swiss universities, start-ups and innovative companies will shed the light on their research and inventions through temporary exhibits and presentations for the public. In addition to this, panels, workshops, pitch contests and networking events will take place at the event space and the rooftop terrace.

Swissnex at the Swiss Pavilion also aims to connect our Swiss partners with equivalents from the UAE, The Middle East and other national pavilions. By inviting local and international researchers and students to events and workshops, the Swiss Pavilion is positioned as a hub for communication and creating new collaborative partnerships.

Switzerland was the first country to confirm its participation at Expo 2020 Dubai. The Swiss pavilion is located in the Opportunity District and offers an emotional journey through Switzerland.

Visitors enjoy traditional Switzerland known for its magical landscapes and mountains through the “Sea of Fog” exceptional experience before discovering the country’s innovative projects and global achievements in the fields of technology, education, sustainability, etc.

In collaboration with Swissnex and in line with Expo’s thematic weeks, the Swiss Pavilion is organizing until March 2022 a series of talks, conferences, workshops and exhibitions around topics such as Urban & Rural Development, Tolerance & Inclusivity, Technology, Health & Wellness, among others.  Switzerland remains the most innovative country in the world as per the Global Innovation Index 2021 - WIPO for the 11th consecutive year. Since Oct.1 the pavilion welcomed more than 100K visitors from around the world and was among the top six longest queues at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Swiss Pavilion relies on a public-private partnership model, including partners: Schindler, Rolex SA, Switzerland Tourism, Clariant, Novartis, Roche, Nestle Middle East and North Africa and KGS Diamond Group – and numerous suppliers. The Swiss Pavilion offers a unique encounter with Switzerland. It highlights Switzerland as a country of scenic beauty and a leading hub of technology and innovation by presenting the excellence of Swiss universities, start-ups and companies as well as creating joint events with local partners.

The Swiss Pavilion relies on a public-private partnership model. It promotes Switzerland’s economic capacity and attractiveness to the UAE – the most important trading partner in the Middle East.

It turns the spotlight on its high quality products and services together with its partners Schindler, Rolex SA, Switzerland Tourism, Roche, Clariant, Novartis, Nestle Middle East and North Africa and KGS Diamond Group Ltd and suppliers. Presence Switzerland is in charge of the Swiss Pavilion.

It is the unit of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for Switzerland’s image abroad and Switzerland’s official presence in international events, such as World Expos.