Next Final preparations ahead of Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha Countries and international organisations participating in Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha have gathered for an International Participants Meeting (IPM) to coordinate the final preparations for the Expo, which opens its gates on 2 October. With the final touches being made to Expo 2023 Doha’s gardens and pavilions, the two-day meeting was an opportunity for International Participants, Expo Organisers, the BIE, and Qatar authorities to review the latest progress on site as well as plans for the Expo’s event programme including National Days and Special Days. Representatives of countries from all over the globe took part in the meeting, which included technical workshops, an overview of the Expo’s communications activities, and a presentation of the Expo’s theme programme. The Expo is being organised under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment”, with its subthemes being Modern Agriculture, Technology & Innovation, Environmental Awareness, and Sustainability. During the IPM, participants toured the 170-hectare site in Al Bidda Park, where construction of facilities is complete, and where exhibits and gardens are being finalised. In addition to international pavilions, highlights of the site include the multifunctional Expo House, the Family Amphitheatre events venue, the Environment Centre & Biodiversity Museum, the Cultural Bazaar and the Farmers Market. Delivering an opening address to the IPM, the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes stated: “With our planet facing immediate and long-term threats due to human activity, it is urgent to promote education in favour of protecting and preserving the environment. Expo 2023 Doha embodies our shared commitment to mitigate desertification and its far-reaching consequences by leveraging education and innovative solutions and doubling down on international cooperation in the fight against climate change”. The Commissioner General of Expo 2023 Doha, H.E. Bader Al Dafa indicated that Qatar is welcoming countries from around the world for an Expo aimed at fostering global environmental cooperation. The Secretary General of Expo 2023 Doha, Mohammed Ali Alkhoori said: “Expo 2023 Doha aims to attract cutting-edge global technologies to combat desertification, modernise agriculture and save water resources. By hosting this event, we are raising awareness about the importance of more sustainable livelihoods and sending a powerful sustainability message to all visitors and particularly younger generations”. Horticultural Expos have been recognised by the BIE since 1960 and are aimed at fostering cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and solutions between countries, horticultural producers and agricultural industry by addressing the paramount issues of healthy lifestyles, green economies, sustainable living, education and innovation. Twitter