Prime Minister of South Korea to Attend Voting for 2030 World Expo Host in Paris

SEOUL – Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea is set to travel to France next week to participate in the voting process for the 2030 World Expo host city. South Korea is contending to host the prestigious event in its southeastern city of Busan, as stated by his office on Saturday.

The host country for the 2030 World Expo will be selected by the 182 member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the governing body responsible for the event, during its general assembly in Paris on Tuesday. Busan faces competition from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Rome, Italy.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Han will depart for Paris on Sunday for a five-day visit. During this time, he plans to meet with delegates from BIE member states to present a last-minute pitch in support of Busan’s candidacy. These final meetings will focus on how South Korea intends to use the World Expo as a platform for addressing critical global challenges such as war and conflict, the digital divide, and climate change.

In a press release, Prime Minister Han expressed his diligent efforts in the bid, stating, “I have worked tirelessly, catching up with other competing nations,” underscoring his commitment to securing the Expo for South Korea.

The proposed theme for South Korea’s candidacy is “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.” The event is planned to be held between May 1 and October 31, 2030, if Busan is selected as the host city.

At the BIE general assembly, each of the three competing candidates will present their projects for the Expo. The selection of the host city will be determined by a secret ballot vote, with government-appointed delegates from member states casting their votes. The results of the voting are expected to be announced early Thursday.

In addition to Prime Minister Han’s efforts, President Yoon Suk Yeol is currently in Paris for a three-day visit, making a final appeal for South Korea’s bid to host the Expo. President Yoon’s agenda includes a series of meetings, dinners, lunches, and an evening reception, all aimed at strengthening South Korea’s position in the competition for the 2030 World Expo.