World Exhibition on the Internet organised by Sweden
In three years time, a new World Exhibition may open, organised by Sweden. Except that it won't take place in Sweden, it will take place all over the world. To be more precise, on the Internet.
Staffan Björck
World Exhibitions are arranged every five years. The most recent was in Aichi, Japan, where Sweden was represented in a Nordic Pavilion. Now Sweden has proposed supplementing the traditional World Exhibitions with an exhibition on the Internet.
Behind the idea is Staffan Björck at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, who is also one of the Vice-Presidents of the BIE (International Exhibitions Bureau), the World Exhibition's central organisation, based in Paris.
"It is important to be able to direct focus towards young people who may not be attracted by traditional World Exhibitions. A World Exhibition on the Internet can reach target groups that are not normally interested in World Exhibitions the way they have been organised up until now."
The Internet version would also involve creating national Pavilions. In addition, a World Exhibition on the Internet would remain constantly open, while current Exhibitions are only open for a period of six months.
"It would be a great success for Swedish thinking and know-how if it were to be realised. The goal is to implement the first virtual World Exhibition in three years time," says Mr Björck.
Read more about the Swedish initiative for a World Exhibition on the Internet in the attachment located in the right-hand column.
