The Dubai Expo 2020 focuses on opportunity, mobility, and sustainability as well as the broader theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. I was fortunate to be selected as a member of the seven-person delegation sent by Tufts IGL to visit the Expo. Here are some of my observations and takeaways from the Expo.
I found the Terra - Sustainability Pavilion to be particularly intriguing. The e-tree concept not only serves as a green habitat, but the way it is designed enables it to power itself and store water. This innovative and minimalist design was reimagined in many countries’ pavilions.
Germany’s Smart City emphasized the usage of recyclable materials to renovate existing buildings in order to raise the standard of living in a way that protects the environment without increasing costs.
Mobility was also another huge theme throughout the Expo. The combination of macro-level goals such as developing rockets to send to space and crisp electric vehicles seen in the USA and China’s pavilions as well as the micro-level initiatives such as installing ride-share bicycle racks throughout the Expo shows that maximizing human mobility and minimizing carbon emission can occur at all levels.
As we are moving toward a more connected world, it has become increasingly essential to ensure our technological advancements prioritize equity as well. I was specifically drawn to Brazil’s exhibition where they emphasize the importance of cost-effective production and distribution of COVID-19vaccines. I was able to learn more about Brazil-based companies such as FIOCRUZ that focus on creating a more inclusive healthcare system through vaccine and diagnostic kit manufacturing. Many nations have also acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to reconsider the way we live. Our emphasis should be on more sustainable economies that focus more on investing in preventative measures rather than being forced to react to acute crises. Initiatives such as the 2030 Agenda - Overcoming the Systemic Crisis outline are echoed in my community health classes at Tufts. My academic background enabled me to not only further appreciate all of the innovative solutions that were on display at the Expo, but also inspired me to think about all of the creative possibilities that a greener future could hold.
Overall, the Dubai Expo 2020 explores themes we must integrate as a species itself as we strive toward a greener future. The experience I had at Expo 2020 was a thought-provoking and forward-looking learning experience, and my eyes were opened up to the possibilities that a more integrated and sustainable future holds. I was exposed to all the innovative solutions from a wide range of perspectives and will bring back the insights I gleaned to Tufts.