#Expo2017 in Astana: 200 days to go
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How do we ensure safe and sustainable access to energy for all while reducing CO2 emissions? Milan passes the baton to Astana, which will host next World's Fair.
Last November 14, in the framework of the celebration of Kazakhstan's 25th anniversary, Almaz Khamzayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, presented to the European press the country's major events for 2017.
Next year, Kazakshtan will host in Astana the Expo2017 under the theme 'Future Energy' along with three subthemes: reducing Co2 emissions, living energy efficiency and energy for all. The aim is to generate a global debate between countries, non-governemental organisations, companies and the general public on crucial questions. Throughout three months, those stakeholders will try to answer to the following question : How do we ensure safe and sustainable access to energy for all while reducing Co2 emissions?
On November 22 2012, Astana was chosen by the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), and four years later Ambassador Khamzayev just confirmed that works will be ready on time. Furthermore, they have managed to engage more countries then expected. In total 105 countries and 10 international organizations will .
'We expect around 3 to 4 million visitors from June to September 2017. Here at the Embassy we stand available for all Belgian visitors who wish to visit Astana', stated Ambassador Khamzayev.
Major challenge for Astana
In 1991, following the independence, the capital of Kazkashtan was Almaty, located in the South of the country. Astana - at the time it was called Akmola - became the capital city in 1997. Astana means capital in English and is a planned city, just like Brasilia or Canberra. To host the international expo and to welcome from 3 to 4 million visitors will be, without any doubt, a challenge for this young city.