WHAT: The African Union (AU) has been invited by the Government of the United Arab Emirates to participate at the Expo 2020 Dubai, one of the largest global events connecting governments, private sector, civil society and international organizations, and general public to showcase innovation, promote progress and foster cooperation. Under the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", with its three sub-themes, “Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability”, Expo 2020 is expected to bring together over 192 countries and 25 million visits.
WHEN: 20th October 2020 -10th April, 2021
WHERE: Expo 2020 Dubai site, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
WHO: The African Union Commission
WHY: In its quest of engaging new partnerships for supporting the effective implementation of the continental development vision embedded in the Agenda 2063, a large-scale platform for education and international dialogue such as the Expo 2020 Dubai remains a promising opportunity for the AU and its Member States. In this regard, the African Union has advanced preparations for its participation at “Expo 2020 Dubai”, as it seeks to explore opportunities to expand and consolidate win-win partnerships in the implementation of Agenda 2063.
The African Union is rallying on the support and participation of journalists and media houses, to take an active part in Expo 2020 Dubai, and increase visibility of the African Union participation through the coverage of the AU pavilion as well as AU led activities throughout the six months duration of the event.
In this regard, you are kindly requested to submit your expression of interest to the Expo 2020 Dubai media accreditation by 31 July 2019, which process would allow clarity on expected media numbers for planning purposes.
Please find the form to submit your expression of interest on the following link: https://www.expo2020dubai.com/media-centre/expression-of-interest
Simultaneously Expo 2020 Dubai will also be launching the Media Information System. Once registered for the Media Information System, media organisations (and individuals) will be able to submit an expression of interest through this portal if they haven’t already. Information about how to register for the Media Information System will be shared in due time.
Media accreditation is open to all genuine media organisations and no quotas are in place for the number of media that can apply for accreditation. At this stage media are only required to nominate an Accreditation Liaison Officer and provide organisation and contact details as well as media accreditation numbers.
Kindly note that this is not the formal accreditation process (which commences in December 2019), but is a vital part of the journey for media planning to cover the event, and a vital part of Expo 2020’s Media Operations to be able to guide media through the process.
We look forward to seeing you all at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Background:
As a global gathering of nations being organized every five (5) years for a duration of six (6) months dedicated to finding solutions to pressing challenges facing the world, World Expos provide space for sharing ideas and best practices, fostering creativity, encouraging collaboration and celebrating human ingenuity. The upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region since their inception in 1851. It will be held between 20 October 2020 and 10 April 2021, in Dubai, South District with an expected attendance of about 190+ countries and 25 million visits. It intends to bring participants and businesses closer to the world’s fastest growing markets and create opportunities for accessing a region of more than 3.2 billion people with a collective GDP of more than US$ 6.5 trillion.
Given the diverse opportunities it offers, it is important for Africa to take an active part in the Expo 2020 Dubai to connect to new knowledge and innovations whilst sharing its progress with the wider world. Africa can also explore potential partnerships required for its socioeconomic transformation towards sustainable development.
The African Union has a significant role to play to ensure Africa’s active participation in Expo Dubai 2020 and to showcase progress made in sustainable trade and industrial development, the organization’s efforts to transform and industrialize Africa’s economies, and to share knowledge and innovation from the Continent to the world, as well as create partnerships between governments, private sector and civil society organizations from within and outside of the continent to work towards ameliorating socioeconomic challenges on the continent, and advancing the quality of life of its citizens.
Note to editors
Without valid accreditation, media will be unable to access media facilities and services within the Expo 2020 site. Every organisation will go through a strict approvals process ensuring applicants are from genuine news gathering organisations.
Kindly be advised that your respective media houses will be notified on the outcome of expressions of interest and next steps by 30 September, 2019.
