Expo Bid Final PT Concludes... Korea Emphasizes Solidarity with "Let's Fly Together"

The final competitive presentations (PT) for hosting the 2030 World Expo have all concluded. South Korea appealed for support until the very end by presenting the discourse of 'human solidarity' in the final PT.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the 173rd General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) held in Paris, France, on the afternoon of the 28th (local time), the final PTs of the candidate countries?South Korea (Busan), Italy (Rome), and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)?were completed, and the official voting process began. Currently, the delegations from each country have entered the assembly hall. If a country receives more than two-thirds of the votes in the first round, the host city will be decided. If no country achieves more than two-thirds, a second round of voting will be held between the top two countries.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Considering the on-site progress, the final result is expected to be announced around 5 p.m. local time (1 a.m. Korean time on the 29th). South Korea has pursued a strategy to surpass Italy and advance to the second runoff round to stage a dramatic comeback against Saudi Arabia. In the second round, South Korea aims to absorb Italy’s support while also attracting some votes that initially supported Saudi Arabia in the first round.

On this day, South Korea took the stage first as candidate number 1. The speakers included Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Choi Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SK Group as well as the private chairman supporting the Busan Expo bid, Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Ambassador Na Seung-yeon. They highlighted challenges faced by developing countries such as climate change, digital divide, and food crises, emphasizing Korea as a cooperative partner committed to solving common human problems and promising concrete collaboration.

The speech focused on conveying the message that Korea was able to grow with the help of the international community and now wishes to give back that support. Notably, a surprise appearance by a Korean War veteran in a support video underscored Korea’s unique global network and story of solidarity. All five Korean speakers delivered their speeches in English, with Prime Minister Han and former Secretary-General Ban also incorporating French.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is delivering a support speech titled "Appeal to Join the Great Transformation Journey for Future Generations" during the final presentation (PT) among competing countries for hosting the 2030 World Expo at the 173rd General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) held on the afternoon of the 28th (local time) at the Palais des Congr?s on the outskirts of Paris, France. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Choi, the private chairman of the Busan Expo bid committee, said, "The Busan Expo will be an Expo 'for you,' serving as a platform to discuss issues such as climate change, digital divide, food crises, and diseases," adding, "The Busan Expo will open a new era of global cooperation, solving regional problems with advanced technology, creating new business opportunities, and contributing to building a more inclusive society."

Prime Minister Han also mentioned Korea’s support for African countries and Pacific island nations, emphasizing, "The Busan Expo will be an Expo of solidarity where global citizens overcome crises and challenges together." He also announced a guarantee of $520 million in support targeting 110 developing countries and smaller economies.

Former Secretary-General Ban stated, "The mission of the Expo, which seeks a new spirit for the era, is to fundamentally transform our way of life," and added, "Korea will bridge the gap between developed and developing countries and offer hope and vision to future generations."

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, bidding to host the 2030 Expo, declared, "Saudi Arabia will contribute to solving the numerous challenges facing the world." Italy emphasized slogans such as "Mama Rome" and "Home is Rome," featuring artists in their presentation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.