As part of its commitment to the World Expo, the Busan Initiative will deliver over 1,200 customized support and development programs to developing countries.
THE GOOD CHOICE FOR WORLD EXPO 2030
The story of South Korea is a tale of resilience and dynamism. In just a few decades, this East Asian land of 52 million people transformed itself from a poor, struggling nation to one of the world’s most advanced economies. The keys have been openness, adaptability and creativity. Now, as South Korea bids to host the 2030 World Expo, its story is resonating with members of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the Expo’s governing organization, two-thirds of whom are developing countries. Host city Busan is playing a crucial part in this effort with the Busan Initiative. A platform for international cooperation aimed at finding solutions to global challenges, the Busan Initiative marshals South Korea’s experience and technological prowess to create customized support to developing countries.
“Busan has everything in place to welcome the World Expo, and we are particularly interested in the Busan Initiative to solve the common problems facing humanity,” said Patrick Spectre of the BIE. The Initiative consists of 1,258 official development assistance (ODA) projects.
Developing nation members of the BIE will become partners in the Initiative and be eligible to receive projects tailored to their specific needs. These mid- and long-term projects will support education, food security, health, digital transformation, global green partnerships and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
THE INITIATIVE’S FIVE FOCUS AREAS ARE:
1. TOGETHER AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
The Initiative will support climate technology cooperation projects through the Climate Technology Center Network (CTCN). It will convene the Global Green Partnership and World Climate EXPO annually to forge green global partnerships and promote renewable energy through solar mini-grids and storage systems.
2. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Busan will dispatch experts to build digital platforms and information access centers with state-of-the-art ICT so countries can advance their digital transformations. The Initiative will provide policy advice
