President Yoon Suk Yeol on June 20 makes a speech in English to promote Busan's bid for the 2030 World Expo at a presentation during the 172nd general assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) in Paris.

"Busan is ready... See you in Busan in 2030."

President Yoon Suk Yeol on June 20 promoted Busan's appeal to the world to support the port city's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in a speech in English at the 172nd general assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) in Paris.

In his speech titled "Promise of the Republic of Korea for World Citizens and Future Generations," President Yoon expressed the nation's strong intent to host the expo in Busan.

Calling Korea "a qualified candidate," President Yoon said, "(The) central and local governments, companies and citizens, all political parties, and 7.5 million overseas Koreans truly are united in their wish for the Busan Expo."

Mentioning the nation's previous hostings of the event in Daejeon in 1993 and Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, in 2012, he said Korea has plenty of experience after hosting two "specialized" expos, adding, "We will make it the best world expo of all time."

"The World Expo Busan will be your solutions platform addressing humanity's complex and urgent challenges," he said. "Korea's state-of-the-art digital technology will provide a fantastic stage for exchanging."

President Yoon also said Busan will put on a cultural expo.

"The World Expo Busan will be a culture expo," he said. "It will be an expo where every nation can freely express its unique cultural tradition and skills. Korea is committed to providing the largest-ever assistance package for more than 110 member states that are participating."

"Also, the Busan expo will be a platform of ideas for future generations," he added. "Through the Busan Expo, the young generations of the world will learn how to work together as a community."

Mentioning past expos with historical significance, the president said, "The 2030 Busan Expo will be remembered as one shifting our priorities from competition to solidarity."

He concluded his speech with the pledge "See you in Busan in 2030."

This fourth presentation was considered a watershed moment for candidate cities to attract votes from BIE member states before the organization decides the venue in November.

The presentation also featured K-pop singer and rapper Psy, Karina from the girl group Aespa and world-class soprano Sumi Jo to captivate the audience. Other figures from academia and startups spoke in support of Busan's bid.

korea.net