Abu Dhabi, – : Due the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of global events are being postponed, including Expo 2020 in Dubai. Following its meeting yesterday, the Federal Council has confirmed Switzerland’s participation in this major event, which will now be held in 2021. In light of this, the council has instructed Presence Switzerland at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to continue preparations for the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai with a new budgetary framework.
The Executive Committee of the Bureau International des Expositions requested at its meeting on 21 April 2020 that member states postpone Expo for a year. The proposal is expected to be adopted before the end of May 2020.
Mr. Manuel Salchi, Commissioner General of the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai said: “I am happy to announce that Switzerland confirmed its presence at the Expo 2020 Dubai in 2021 and joins the consensus in favor of the postponement in solidarity with the organizer and all participants. We herewith reaffirm our strong commitment to the success of Expo 2020 Dubai.”
In spite of these postponements, which also entail additional costs for Switzerland, the Federal Council views such large-scale events as an opportunity to position Switzerland and promote its economy, particularly during the post-COVID-19 phase. The council has therefore approved the additional related costs.