BIE General Assembly recognises Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade

The 175th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has granted formal recognition to Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade.

Taking place in the capital of Serbia between 15 May and 15 August 2027, the next Specialised Expo will be organised under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All".

BIE Member States, gathered in the General Assembly in Paris, unanimously agreed with the BIE's Executive Committee's recommendation to grant recognition to Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade, requested by the Government of Serbia. This recognition confirms the status of Expo 2027 Belgrade as an International Exhibition and makes it possible for Serbia's to invite intentional participants via diplomatic channels.

To mark the formal recognition, the BIE flag was ceremoniously handed to Serbia's Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Jelena Begović, and the CEO of the Expo Organiser, Dušan Borovčanin.

Serbia was elected host country of Specialised Expo 2027 during the 172nd General Assembly of the BIE in June 2023. Following this, it has undergone a process to formalise the Expo project, submitting a Recognition Dossier to the BIE presenting a detailed plan for the implementation of the Expo. The Dossier serves as a document that sets out the scheduled operational dates, legislative and financial measures, the Expo site Master Plan, the conditions for international participation and legacy plans.

The Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes stated: "Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade will bring countries together around the unifying theme of play, sport, and music, allowing new bridges to be built between cultures and continents. It will serve as a dynamic platform for creative exchange, where ideas and innovations can spark meaningful collaborations across borders. The granting of recognition gives the green light for Serbia to invite the world to the next Specialised Expo, so that all countries can collectively compose a brighter, more inclusive future, where the power of play transcends differences and unites us all."

Minister Begović stated: "The unanimous decision by the BIE to approve our Recognition Dossier marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Our aim is to host an exceptional Specialised Expo that not only sets new records but also fills our citizens with pride. Expo 2027 presents a unique and exceptional opportunity for Serbia. With the inspiring theme "Play for Humanity", Expo 2027 Belgrade will embody the spirit of collaboration, creativity and innovation, showcasing the best 'play' the world has to offer. This global stage will unite nations and cultures in a shared commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future. By embracing the power of play, we aim to inspire solutions to humanity's challenges and create an unforgettable experience that resonates across generations."

Dušan Borovčanin stated: "We are very proud of having our Recognition Dossier unanimously approved by the BIE, making Serbia the first country from the Western Balkans to host an Expo. With that exclusivity and interesting theme "Play for Humanity - Sport and Music for All", I am positive we will succeed to provide a unique opportunity for nations to showcase their creativity and innovation and still have unforgettable memories. Belgrade will become a global hub for collaboration, unity, and shared progress. In the coming months, we will begin inviting countries to participate and we are confident that the response will be overwhelmingly positive. Serbia is fully committed to making Expo 2027 a truly transformative experience for the world."

Organised under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All", Expo 2027 Belgrade is set to receive over 4 million visitors and welcome over 120 countries between 15 May and 15 August 2027.

Expos are global events that explore a chosen theme through engaging and immersive discoveries. Among the different categories of Expos, Specialised Expos are designed to respond to a precise challenge facing humanity and may take place in the interval between two World Expos. Specialised Expos are limited in terms of duration - lasting up to three months - and space - with the exhibition area not exceeding 25 hectares. The site is entirely built by the Organiser, Participants being provided with pavilion space.

The most recent Specialised Expo, Expo 2017 Astana, took place in the capital of Kazakhstan under the theme "Future Energy", and received almost 4 million visits.