His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, hailed Expo 2020 Dubai’s ingenuity and creativity during his country’s Expo 2020 National Day today (29 January), and praised the UAE and Australia’s shared belief in using technology to address climate change.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; and Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Commissioner General’s Office welcomed HE General the Honourable David Hurley and a high-level delegation from Australia.
HE General the Honourable David Hurley said: “It speaks to traits common to both the Emirati and Australian character that, confronted with challenges, we push on. [We] both share a strong belief in the power of technological solutions in addressing our climate challenges, creating significant opportunities for closer co-operation. Australia looks forward to supporting the UAE’s hosting of the world climate change conference, COP28, in 2023.
“Showcased here [at Expo 2020 Dubai] is the ingenuity, creativity and capacity for technological advancement, underpinned by an appreciation of history and culture. It reminds us that we … are responsible for creating the future for generations to come … and it points to the considerable opportunities of the future and what is possible when we are open, connected and optimistic.”
Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali said: “Visitors to Expo 2020 are going to be able to learn about how Australia supports creative industries, research and innovation, and actively promotes its world-class education system, as well as its iconic landscape and the lifestyle of its people.
“Our nations share a solid relationship that has expanded over time and continues to flourish across various fields, particularly education, one of the core pillars on which the UAE’s vision is built. The UAE is now home to campuses of three of Australia’s renowned universities: Murdoch University, Curtin University and University of Wollongong. Through Expo 2020 Dubai, we look forward to expanding the horizons of our partnerships and fostering new collaborations for our mutual benefit and prosperity.”
A gigantic Australia flag, flown to the UAE from Parliament House in Canberra, was raised at Al Wasl Plaza as part of the National Day celebrations.
A packed schedule of activity all across the Expo site included cultural performances featuring Baker Boy, Mitch Tambo, an indigenous dance troupe and music duo O’Shea. Sport was also a key feature with Australian Football League workshops with former player Bachar Houli, backyard cricket matches and fun family games.
The Australia Pavilion, under the theme ‘Blue Sky Dreaming’, encapsulates Australian optimism, ambition and creativity. The pavilion features interactive and immersive installations using projection mapping special effects and 3D printing that sit alongside the songlines, a vital part of Aboriginal culture that mapped the land through traditional song.
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.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai 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.
