ELS-E - 132 cover.pdf 1 4/6/2021 11:58:01 AM ELS 132 Emirates

Zhou Jianping Lecture 132 Series

C From Expo 2019 to Dubai:

M From Expo 2019 Beijing to 2020 Dubai

Y

CM MY Experiencesfrom the 2019 International CY

CMY

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HorticulturalExhibition Beijing

Zhou Jianping

ﻣﺮﻛﺰ اﻣﺎرات ﻟﻠﺪراﺳﺎت واﻟﺒﺤﻮث اﻻﺳﺘﺮاﺗﻴﺠﻴـــﺔ The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research

EMIRATES LECTURE SERIES – 132 –

From Expo 2019 Beijing to Expo 2020 Dubai Experiences from the 2019 International Horticultural Exhibition Beijing

Zhou Jianping

Published by

The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research

The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) provides knowledge and intellectual enlightment in the Arab world, through publications that are important references for academics, researchers, and professionals in strategic affairs and future planning. By the time of its 26th anniversary, in March 2020, the ECSSR had provided the Arab library with a wide variety of publications covering politics, economics, media, education, strategy, informatics and military science. These publications play an essential role in the UAE’s preparedness for another fifty years of ambition and global excellence. Through a careful process supported by a team of industry experts, the ECSSR ensures that its publications conform to the highest international standards. This is reflected in the number of specialized awards won by the ECSSR’s publications, as part of a track record of scholarly and research activities undertaken by the Center, and its vital role in decision-making in the UAE. In line with this, the ECSSR publishes the ‘Emirates Lecture Series,’ which includes the lectures and specialized workshops held by the Center, as part of the scholarly events series it organizes throughout the year. These events invite top researchers, academics and experts to share their views and objective analyses on current issues. This series aims to expand, benefit and enrich constructive dialogue and serious research, informing and inspiring all readers.

This publication is based on a lecture titled ‘From Expo 2019 Beijing to Expo 2020 Dubai’, held at the ECSSR on December 23, 2019. The views expressed in this study do not necessarily reflect those of the ECSSR.

© The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the ECSSR.

First impression, 2021 ISSN 1682-1238 ISBN 978-9948-34-671-5 paperback edition ISBN 978-9948-34-672-2 electronic edition

All correspondence should be addressed to: Editor-in-Chief Emirates Lecture Series ECSSR P.O. Box 4567, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971-2-4044541 Fax: +971-2-4044542 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.ecssr.ae

From Expo 2019 Beijing to Expo 2020 Dubai

From Expo 2019 Beijing to Expo 2020 Dubai: Experiences from the 2019 International Horticultural Exhibition Beijing

Introduction

xpo 2019 Beijing came to a successful close on October 9, 2019. It garnered high praise from E the international community, and was hailed as one of the most successful expos in history, positioning itself as a leading example for those hosting future expos.1 Multiple aspects of the event’s management offer useful reference points and inspiration going forward, particularly in the build up to Expo 2020 Dubai. This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of the many months of preparation and planning that went into Expo 2019 Beijing, in addition to exploring its guiding principles and the key factors in its success. The paper also considers the overall impact of Beijing expo, as both a model for others to follow and an inspirational example of a major event that was able to galvanize the international community behind an important cause.

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From Expo 2019 Beijing to Expo 2020 Dubai

An Inspirational Theme Adopting ‘Live Green, Live Better’ as its overall theme, the 2019 International Horticultural Exhibition Beijing revolved around a philosophy of horticulture as a conduit to help humanity rediscover nature and the principles of ecological civilization that date back millennia.2 Essential to our very way of life, we have always depended on nature and horticulture for our livelihoods, wellbeing and, ultimately, survival. In many ways, horticulture is a language that allows us to communicate with nature, through the art of nurturing plant life and cultivating a green culture. The nexus of communication between humanity and nature, horticulture is also an illustration of the close relationship between green living and quality of life. It offers significant material and spiritual benefits, as well as vital solutions to many of the issues we face today, from climate change to food security.3 Expo 2019 Beijing, with its ‘Live Green, Live Better’ theme, aimed to underscore the need for a more environmentally conscious lifestyle that helps humanity adapt to, respect, and integrate with, nature, rather than exploit it. A central goal of Expo 2019 Beijing was to showcase some of the most advanced technologies within horticulture, featuring achievements from those

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working in the sector globally, and spotlighting some of the progress has made in the development of horticulture and ecology.4

The 2019 International Horticultural Exhibition Beijing was held as an A1 class international exhibition accredited by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). This A1 classification allows for a special category of expo event, recognized by the international governing body, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).5 Their framework regulates two types of expos: Registered Exhibitions, or World Expos, and Recognized Exhibitions, known as c Expos. Within this system, horticultural exhibitions with an A1 grade have enjoyed Specialized status since 1960. Hosted by the Chinese Government and organized by Beijing Municipality, the five sub-themes of Beijing expo were Green Development, Horticulture in Life, Harmonizing with Nature, Education and the Future, and Home of Hearts.6

Expo 2019 Beijing opened its doors to the public on April 29, 2019, with an impressive ceremony attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, together with heads of state, special envoys and the leaders of ten different

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From Expo 2019 Beijing to Expo 2020 Dubai

countries and international organizations. President Xi delivered the keynote speech titled ‘Working Together for a Green and Better Future for All’, expressing his sincere hope of building better nations and a global community that joins hands to create a shared future for all.7 With this guiding principle, Expo 2019 Beijing welcomed more than nine million visitors over the course of six-months. In that time, rich dialogue took place between millions of attendees, more than 110 participating countries and international organizations, and around 2,000 VIP visiting groups. The exhibition’s influence was able to reach far beyond Beijing, as two billion online visitors were kept informed with all the news and inspirational stories each day of the event.8 The closing ceremony, on October 9, 2019, was a celebration of the expo’s great success. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, government leaders and the heads of five countries and international organizations attended, with Premier Li delivering a stirring speech that expressed the firm determination of the Chinese government to promote and participate in joint efforts with the international community that promote sustainable environmental development.9 Lauded by global leaders, international organizations, the media and its visitors,

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Expo 2019 Beijing was a testament to the many achievements and firm resolve of countries all over the world; committed to the development of ecological civilization and a bright future for all. The exhibition was hailed as a unique, fascinating and impressive event in world horticulture.10 Examining the various factors that contributed to the expo’s success in greater detail, the following key elements emerge as vital components of a successful formula that could potentially prove useful for those planning and organizing Expo 2020 Dubai.

A Comprehensive System of Organization

At every stage of planning and event management, the Chinese Government and Beijing Municipality attached great importance to thorough preparation, robust construction and the facilitation of smooth operations, an approach that is the root of the exhibition’s success. Crucial to delivering the expo was the hard work and dedication of all involved, from the construction to operations teams, while the importance of the active involvement of international participants cannot be overlooked.

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