The turn of the New Year marks a new start for many across the world. A time of reflection, thankfulness and also setting sights on new resolutions or to-do lists as humanity looks ahead into 2022 with great optimism. The start of the New Year also marks the halfway point of the biggest spectacle around the world, Expo 2020 Dubai.
It has been 90 days in and there are 90 days to go!
Since the start of arguably one of the biggest global events in the world since the outbreak of the global COVID19 pandemic, the Expo has seen in excess of 8 million visitors, all of whom observed the recommended measures to help curb rate of infections. Many others watched the mega show from home. Expo has reported a mammoth 37 million digital viewers since the start of the event on October 1st, 2020.
From an African continental perspective, Expo got off to a solid start, with pavilions of member states witnessing a rush of foot traffic coming to understand more about the continent: its people, economy and the land.
The AU pavilion alone has seen in excess of 35 000 unique visitors coming to visit the home of the biggest intergovernmental organization in the world. True to its purpose of pursuing an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena, the AU has showcased the rich history of the African people, their contribution to global civilisation and the wealth of rich culture that make them so unique and powerful. It has also highlighted the united cause of sustainable development for all, as driven by the aspirations and goals of Agenda 2063, the people inspired continental development blueprint.
“Part of the African Union’s presence at this Expo was to own the narrative on Africa and tell our stories with dignity, by way of highlighting some of the works in progress in shaping a future ideal for all. Beyond positioning the continent for business, we wanted to celebrate the strides taken to see us in this position of global influence today” remarked pavilion director, Mrs. Leslie Richer.
Since the beginning of October 2021, the AU has hosted six events, in which leading African minds, in both the private and public sector came together to share Intellectual Properties with their global peers; engaging on robust dialogue as they positioned the Africa we want and how the continent is gearing itself to get there. These events included Disaster Risk Reduction, Infrastructure Development, Peace and Security, and Education Innovation and Skills for the future for girls.
There has also been a flood of prominent figures from both the African continent and the global community, who have ascended on the African Union pavilion to experience and live the story of the African people, first hand.
These high profile figures include His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho; the President of Sierra Leon, H.E. Julius Maada Wonie Bio; the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of eSwatini, H.E. Cleopas Dlamini; the FIFA Secretary General, Her Excellency Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura and Former President of the Republic of Estonia, H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid. The Pavilion has also welcomed leading private sector organisations including the APO Group, Uber, Canon and Pfizer to name a few.
However, the coming months have a lot in store, as the AU calendar of events intensifies, with the aim of finishing on a high note. The 2022 events calendar will kick off with a gathering on Climate Resilient Small Holder farming, an engagement that will see the creation of futuristic channels of operation to help continue the fight against poverty, whilst also fostering the already existing collaboration amongst member states in the pursuit of developing a more empowered local manufacturing & trade industry.
Visitors can also expect to see the CEO Roundtable and Forum in early March whilst there will also be a celebration of Women in Business, a gathering that will acknowledge and expose African entrepreneurs to the global audience.
The second half Expo 2020 will also see a gathering led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Africa CDC, which will celebrate the remarkable work done by those on the frontlines in fighting the scourge of Covid-19 on the African continent.
The final and biggest event of 2022 at Expo, will be the African Union Honor; a celebration that will see the world take a pause to celebrate and acknowledge Africa, the powerhouse of 1.2 billion plus people. For a more detailed and date specific events calendar, please visit: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en
There has never been a better time than the present to plan your visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, especially for those members of the Diaspora community residing in the neighboring communities of the United Arab Emirates.The African Union looks forward to welcoming you all to your home away from home.
For further information please contact:
Mr. Lunga Kupiso, Public Relations & Media Officer - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission - Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Media & Communications Coordinator - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission - Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org Web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
