Cooperation Agreement Signed in Belgrade
Expo 2030 Riyadh and Expo 2027 Belgrade have signed a cooperation agreement on structured knowledge transfer and an observer program, creating a framework for mutual learning, collaboration, and expertise sharing between the organizing teams of the World Expo in Riyadh and the Specialized Expo in Belgrade. The agreement will enable both teams to exchange experiences, insights, and best practices in planning, operational readiness, event delivery, and legacy development, while strengthening institutional capabilities and fostering continuous dialogue as they prepare to host their respective expos.
Scope of Collaboration
As part of the agreement, representatives from both organizations will participate in site visits, observer programs, workshops, expert exchanges, and other collaborative activities designed to share lessons learned, operational expertise, and innovative approaches. The agreement covers governance, site development, participant management, operational readiness, digital systems, and live event operations, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
Statements from Officials
CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh Talal Al-Marri said the agreement reflects the spirit of collaboration that defines global expos. He noted that knowledge transfer between consecutive expo organizers strengthens delivery certainty, reduces institutional risk, and reinforces continuity across the expo ecosystem. During his visit to the Expo 2027 Belgrade site, Al-Marri commended the progress achieved and observed firsthand the ongoing preparations for the Specialized Expo. He added that the collaboration will provide valuable insights from Expo 2027 Belgrade's planning and delivery journey at a crucial time for Expo 2030 Riyadh, as work across all operational areas continues to advance and site construction progresses, further strengthening readiness to deliver an unprecedented world expo.
Director of Expo 2027 Belgrade Danilo Jerinic said the agreement reinforces the shared responsibility toward the expo legacy, international participants, and the future of this global platform. He added that one of the most important expo legacies is the knowledge and expertise gained by those involved in organizing such events, highlighting the opportunity for Expo 2027 professionals to share their experience and know-how with future international events around the world.
BIES Secretary-General Highlights Opportunity
The agreement was signed during a ceremony in Belgrade attended by Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions Dimitri Kerkentzes, as part of the official visit by the Expo 2030 Riyadh delegation to Serbia. Kerkentzes emphasized that every expo should be connected to the next, with each one leaving a lasting impact on its successor, describing this as part of the broader process of human development. “What lies ahead of us is truly special — two completely new host countries: Serbia and Saudi Arabia. Neither of them has hosted an expo before. This is something new for the local teams and new for the culture of these countries, but at the same time, it represents a tremendous opportunity,” said Kerkentzes.
Visit and Tour
The visit included a series of high-level meetings, a briefing on preparations for Expo 2027 Belgrade's international participants meeting, and a guided tour of the Expo 2027 Belgrade site, providing an opportunity to exchange insights and strengthen cooperation between the two organizing teams.
