SEOUL/PARIS – South Korea is poised to make its final presentation in Paris on Tuesday to host the 2030 World Expo, backed by prominent figures like former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and celebrated K-pop stars. The selection of the host city for this globally significant event, overseen by the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), will be determined through rounds of voting during the general assembly later in the day. South Korea's southeastern city of Busan is contending against Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Rome, Italy for the prestigious hosting rights.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and Theresa Rah, former spokeswoman for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics bidding committee. Ban is expected to highlight Busan's ability to transform the World Expo into a platform for addressing global issues and achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals for 2030. He will also emphasize Busan as a symbol of South Korea's rapid economic progress, signaling the nation's intention to contribute globally, post its recovery from the Korean War.
Adding to the appeal, K-pop icons like Psy and singer Kim Jun-su will deliver messages via video to support Busan's bid. South Korean delegates, including Prime Minister Han, have been actively pitching to BIE member states in Paris, emphasizing Busan's vision and capabilities.
South Korea's campaign faced a challenge from Riyadh, which has conducted an extensive marketing campaign. Despite this competition, South Korean officials remain optimistic, with Han echoing President Yoon Suk Yeol's sentiment to give their best until the final whistle. Ban's involvement is seen as a crucial boost to escalate Busan's campaign in the final stages.
The World Expo, known for fostering innovation and cultural exchange, will follow the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Japan. Busan's bid for the 2030 event, slated for May 1 to October 31, 2030, revolves around the theme "Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future." Local estimates suggest the Expo could bring significant economic benefits, attract millions of tourists, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The voting process at the BIE General Assembly involves a secret ballot by government-appointed delegates from member states. Busan's proposed site, a 3.43-square-kilometer area at a port, features plans for a hydrogen-powered tram and a new airport. The final decision, requiring a two-thirds majority vote, may potentially lead to a runoff between the top two candidates, with many observers anticipating a close race between Busan and Riyadh.