Work is progressing at a steady pace on the various Expo 2020 Dubai projects even as the organisers today (March 19) held a virtual Steering Committee meeting of representatives of the countries taking part in the mega event to discuss the Covid-19 impact on its preparations.

The Expo-led construction is complete, and steady progress was being made on the International participant pavilions, said the event organisers. Detailed operation plans are being finalised ahead of a series of tests scheduled for later this year, they added.

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, who chaired the meeting, said: "As hosts of the next World Expo, due to open in seven months’ time, we always knew that 2020 was going to be demanding. What we could not predict is that we would be doing so in the midst of the biggest global health crisis in generations."

"These are difficult, uncertain times, which makes it even more heartening to see communities around the world facing this challenge together and to witness the incredible resilience of the human spirit against a menace that does not recognise international borders or timelines. World Expos are intended to be celebrations of our collective endeavour and achievement as humanity, and these times call for our solidarity and unity more than ever," she noted.

“This discussion with participants today was an opportunity to reassure them on the measures that we have put into place in the UAE, to listen to their issues, and to look for ways that we can provide tangible, meaningful support at this difficult time, in the spirit of openness, collaboration and partnership that are at the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai," stated Al Hashimy.

"Our immediate priority is the health and well-being of everyone involved in Expo 2020 Dubai, and this will not be compromised. Our monitoring of ongoing developments means we will take all sensible precautions to manage and mitigate risk to all those involved," she added.

The minister said that UAE had taken a range of robust, precautionary measures to control the spread of Covid-19, and Expo 2020 has fully applied the latest guidance from the Dubai Health Authority, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other relevant bodies.

In addition to this, Expo 2020 Dubai is closely monitoring ongoing developments and has committed to adjusting planned preparations, as changing circumstances require, she added.

Welcoming the Expo 2020 Dubai’s initiative, Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, said: "The gravity of the situation and the impact that it is having in countries around the world cannot be ignored. World Expos are inherently global and inclusive events."

"For almost 170 years they have brought countries and people together to celebrate the best of humanity, and the fruits of our innovation and collaboration, around a theme addressing global challenges," remarked Kerkentzes.
 
Putting on a World Expo, against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic requires a global effort from the 192 countries taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai. We continue working with the organisers and are confident in the steps that the UAE has taken to manage the spread of the virus and protect all those involved in the Expo, he stated.

"Expo 2020 Dubai’s pragmatic approach offers both reassurance and assistance to those who need it, and will, I believe, contribute to the successful delivery of this mega event," he added.

Manuel Salchli, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Comissioner General of Switzerland, said: "From a construction perspective, all countries are committed to finalising their pavilions on site and will work in close co-ordination with Expo as they continue their dialogue in the coming weeks and adjust to the changing environment."

"Never before has the importance of human solidarity and human connectivity been as critical. We are all in this together and are steadfast in delivering an exceptional Expo in the UAE and for the world," observed Salchli.

The Steering Committee members will reconvene in the coming weeks to re-assess the situation and plan accordingly, said the Expo 2020 organisers.-TradeArabia News Service