The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has supported Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
The OIC is the second-largest organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. It is considered the voice of the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia is the headquarters of OIC.
OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said that hosting the big event in Saudi Arabia would be “a coronation” for the efforts being exerted to realize Saudi Vision 2030, the transformative economic and social reform blueprint of the kingdom.
On Oct. 29, Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman submitted the formal request to host the mega event to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), World Expo’s organizing body.
The theme proposed by the kingdom for Expo 2030, which will be held from 1 Oct. 2030 to 1 Apr. 2031, is “The Era of Change: Leading the Planet to a Foresighted Tomorrow.”
The crown prince’s letter to the BIE reads: “We live in an era of change, and we face an unprecedented need for humanity’s collective action.”
Al Othaimeen said the kingdom was a “global destination and land where cultures and civilizations meet”. He added that Saudi Arabia has the wherewithal to host the historic edition of this international event.
He also stressed that the kingdom has managed to be a global destination and succeeded in hosting several international summits and events, virtually or in person.
The secretary-general noted that hosting the event in Saudi Arabia will be an opportunity for the world to benefit from the kingdom’s experience in making qualitative leaps in most sectors.
Hosting the event in Saudi Arabia will offer a peep into the future kingdom as envisioned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.