DUBAI, 9 January 2022 – The pacific island nation of Tuvalu celebrated its Expo 2020 National Day today (9 January) with a rousing speech and a cultural performance featuring dancers swaying in grass skirts and adorned with flower crowns.
Speaking at the National Day flag-raising ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, His Excellency Aunese Makoi Simati, Ambassador of Tuvalu to the UAE, explained how no country is an island and the importance of connecting with the world.
The cultural performance concluded with Tuvalu’s tradition of Te Alofa, which translates to “love”, with a presentation of a canoe gifted to the UAE to symbolise connections made at Expo 2020 Dubai.
HE Aunese Makoi Simati was welcomed by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Sultan Al Shamsi, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs .
HE Sultan Al Shamsi said: “Visitors to Tuvalu’s pavilion are invited to discover the beauty, culture and hospitality of this island that, despite being small in size, is big in the hearts of its people.
“The pavilion also showcases Tuvalu’s commendable efforts in developing climate resilience and mobility in response to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels, as well as the importance of swift and collective action from the global community to mitigate the associated risks, and ensure a safer and more sustainable tomorrow.”
HE Aunese Makoi Simati said: “Thank you for this magnificent platform at Expo 2020 Dubai to connect minds and create the future. Like you, we believe in building stone by stone, from the wisdom of our founding fathers and ancestors and successive generations to our entrepreneurships and endeavours of today.
“For Tuvalu, regardless of our smallness and isolation, our future can only be secured if we are connected to world innovations and the dynamics of technology. We march further forward faster when we move together. Expos are for people connections, collaborations and to enjoy what everyone has to offer – it’s a one stop centre of what the world can be and should be.”
The Tuvalu Pavilion exudes all that is great about this nation of nine islands in the South Pacific – the fourth smallest country in the world. It showcases Tuvalu’s stunning natural beauty with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, rainbow-coloured coral and lush landscapes, enabling visitors to learn more about its many natural wonders and vast human capital.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Each features a flag-raising ceremony at the Stage of Nations in Al Wasl Plaza, followed by speeches and cultural performances.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 invites visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.-
