[K-Women Talk]2030 Expo Decision Assembly, Busan's Winning Move

The enthusiasm for hosting the 2030 World Expo is growing. Last April, the inspection delegation from the International Bureau of Expositions visited Busan and other candidate cities, and the inspection report was also released. Now, each member country is entering the stage of formally deciding their stance for the vote scheduled at the end of November.

The inspection report confirms that the Republic of Korea has sufficient capability to host the World Expo, one of the world's three major international mega-events alongside the Olympics and the World Cup. Furthermore, Busan's transition story from its past to the present, its openness and inclusiveness, and the blueprint for future civilization based on the spirit of care and sharing and green growth that Korea presents to the world align most closely with the ideals of the Expo.

It is encouraging that the International Bureau of Expositions' inspection report highlights these strengths of Busan well. In particular, attention should be paid to the three aspects where Busan's strengths stand out. First, the theme that Busan Expo aims to realize comprehensively and deeply presents solutions to problems faced by all humanity. Second, the will to contribute to various parts of the world through the Expo. Lastly, the nationwide support for hosting the Expo, encompassing the central government, local governments, the legislature, businesses, and citizens.

Focusing on the Expo's function as a platform to propose solutions to humanity's challenges is very timely. Our survival depends on how we overcome accelerating climate change, unprecedented new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), polarization and disparities, and how we prepare a future blueprint.

Korea has clearly demonstrated its will to make exemplary and effective contributions through international partnerships by launching the Busan Initiative. The Busan Initiative aims to develop tailored cooperation in five major areas?climate change, digital technology, health, education, and food?aligned with the three Expo sub-themes of sustainable life with nature, technology for humanity, and care and sharing. The results will be shared at the 2030 Expo. Moreover, these achievements will be handed over to the next Expo host country to continue advancing, proposing a completely new and innovative way of conducting the Expo.

This innovative proposal reflects Korea's national stature as a rare country that has succeeded economically and politically on the international stage and is further contributing to leading global civilization. Of course, it is unrealistic to expect that the approximately 180 member countries at the International Bureau of Expositions General Assembly this November will base their votes solely on national stature and contributions to future civilization. International politics is cold and may be influenced by short-term interests or one-time visible benefits. Korea should take pride in conducting a campaign worthy of its national dignity, recognizing the need to build its national brand from a long-term perspective.

If the bid to host the 2030 World Expo succeeds, the Republic of Korea will stand at the center of the international stage and unfold a new blueprint for global civilization, marking a remarkable historic event. To seize this golden opportunity, it is expected that when the government, businesses, and citizens unite and carry out the campaign strategically and multidimensionally, there will be joyful news this November. Let us also remember that the process, as flawless as the result, is equally important.

Park Eun-ha, Former Ambassador to the UK, Executive Chairperson of the 2030 Busan Expo Citizens’ Committee