First International Planning Meeting in preparation for Expo 2027 Belgrade

Representatives of countries and international organisations gathered in Belgrade on 10 and 11 June for the first International Planning Meeting (IPM) ahead of Expo 2027 Belgrade, marking a significant milestone on the road to the next Specialised Expo.

Convened by the Government of Serbia and the Organiser of Expo 2027 Belgrade in collaboration with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the IPM brought together country representatives, BIE officials and Expo organisers to align on preparations, exchange information and set the stage for international collaboration. The meeting took place with just under two years to go until the Expo's official opening on 15 May 2027.

As the first large-scale international gathering of key stakeholders, the IPM allowed international representatives to gain insights into Serbia's vision for the Expo. The meeting included detailed briefings on the development of the Expo theme - "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All", the master plan, the construction timeline, and operational and logistical planning.

Participants reviewed plans for the development of the Expo site, located on the banks of the Sava River, and observed a large-scale mock-up offering a visual representation of the site's future configuration.

Opening the meeting, the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, emphasised the importance of this early stage of collaboration, stating: "For the first time, a Specialised Expo will be held in the Western Balkans - a region of diverse cultures, remarkable heritage, and dynamic creativity. Through Expo 2027 Belgrade, the world will discover new perspectives, new voices, and new opportunities to connect and to inspire. This week's important meeting helps all participants to craft compelling themes that resonate with the world, to design innovative pavilions and programming that captivate the imagination, and to carefully plan operations and logistics to ensure seamless participation for everyone involved."

First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali stated: "Less than two years remain until May 15, 2027, and the opening of Expo in Belgrade. We are proud that our country has been chosen to host this prestigious global event, and our task now is to ensure that all participating countries and the expected three to four million visitors have the most pleasant stay in Serbia. Preparations for Expo are progressing according to the planned schedule, so that everything is ready by December 1, 2026, when we are to hand over the "keys" to the Expo site. As part of these preparations, it is my great pleasure that we have hosted the International Planning Meeting in Belgrade, where we welcomed representatives from over 110 participating countries. Together, we have discussed the next steps in the organisation and plans for Expo 2027.

"All relevant institutions of the Republic of Serbia, along with our Expo team, are fully committed and available to assist participating countries in both their preparations and their stay in Serbia. Our goal is for everything to run flawlessly and for all participants to leave Belgrade with the fondest memories, having presented their countries in the best possible light."

The IPM is the first of several meetings to be held before Expo 2027 Belgrade opens to the public. Through these gatherings, the Organiser and participants will work together to ensure a meaningful and impactful event

Expo 2027 Belgrade was formally recognised by the BIE in November 2024, following the election of Serbia as host country by BIE Member States in June 2023 during the Organisation's 172nd General Assembly.

Organised under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All", Expo 2027 Belgrade will be the first Specialised Expo to be held in the Western Balkans. The event 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.