Space-focused event launches Expo 2020's thematic programming

A virtual event on space travel and exploration begins the presentation of the programme of themes for the 2020 World Expo in Dubai. With the participation of personalities such as Sarah bint Yousif al-Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences and President of the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAE), this initiative aims to prove the benefits, solutions and challenges of research beyond the orbit of planet Earth. 

Open to the public and hosted by Expo 2020 on 5th-6th October, 2020, during World Space Week, the virtual event will also feature James L. Green, Chief Scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. This promotion shows the great effort made by the Emirates in the field of space, as evidenced by their mission to Mars launched together with Japan and their desire to send a mission to the Moon.

It underlines Expo's commitment to bring together the world's most ambitious minds, across 10 thematic weeks, to address some of the greatest challenges facing the planet.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau said, "Our theme weeks will draw on Expo 2020's central role in bringing together the world's brightest, most inquisitive and innovative minds from more than 190 participating nations, to participate in the sharing of knowledge, new ideas and innovations that will stand the test of time.

"Space, as a resource shared by all humanity, is one of these crucial topics. With the technological advancement of space travel and exploration making the dream of space tourism closer to reality than ever before, managing it peacefully and equitably requires the concerted international cooperation of all space-faring nations."

The event will bring together numerous members of the Expo family, including Expo 2020's participating nations, Official Partners and the general public, who can find out more and get involved on Day 1 and Day 2. It will highlight the latest innovations in space research and travel, while also providing a platform to discuss focus areas including space exploration, governance and law, space data and remote sensing, and the UAE's space landscape.

Sarah Al Amiri said, "Since its inception some 50 years ago, the UAE has never rested on its past laurels guided instead by our wise leadership in striving to improve across every field. Expo 2020, the first World Expo ever hosted in the region, mirrors these efforts helping to inspire the change-makers and future leaders of tomorrow and bring the world together, in a changing world, to chart a course towards a brighter future for the UAE, the region and the world."

Comprising Q & A sessions and panel discussions, the virtual event, the first in a series offering a taste of the exciting content and conversations that will take place during Expo 2020 Dubai, will also highlight the UAE as an ambitious pioneer in the field of space exploration.

It takes place a year ahead of Space Week, one of 10 thematic weeks held during the six months of Expo that will explore collaborative solutions to key pressing issues, including Climate and Biodiversity; Health and Wellness; Urban and Rural Development; and Travel and Connectivity.

Space Week during Expo 2020 will also feature space projections and shows that depict the UAE's incredible space journey, held at Al Wasl Plaza the beating heart of the Expo site that features one of the largest 360-degree projection surfaces in the world.

The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, MEASA, region, Expo 2020 will run from October 1st, 2021 to March 31st, 2022. It will bring together more than 190 countries to explore new ideas, form new connections and collectively tackle some of the greatest global challenges, all in keeping with the main slogan of Expo Dubai 2020 which is 'Connecting minds, creating the future'; all aimed at promoting global cooperation to face and solve global challenges by promoting the development of the most innovative technologies. Everything will revolve around the three main pillars of the world fair: Sustainability, Opportunity and Mobility.