International Participants intensify efforts ahead of Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade
Representatives of over 130 countries and international organisations gathered in Belgrade this week for an International Participants Meeting (IPM) ahead of Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade. The three-day meeting was an opportunity for countries and international organisations to interact with Expo teams and make progress in planning their participation, 14 months ahead of the Expo’s opening.
The IPM builds on the first planning meeting held in June 2025, continuing the structured dialogue between organiser and participants in anticipation of the next Specialised Expo. Bringing together representatives of participating countries and organisations, as well as Serbian and BIE officials, the meeting included several sessions dedicated to technical, logistical and thematic aspects of the next Specialised Expo.
Programming was a key part of the discussions, with the Expo Organiser providing an update on plans to support co-creation in scheduling events in relation to the theme “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All”. Attendees also exchanged on initiatives relating to communications and marketing, ticket sales, commercial activities, and the development of the Expo site. Dedicated sessions were also organised to address priority topics for different participants, including pavilion design, operations, and media relations.
On 12 March, international delegations were invited to visit the Expo construction site, where progress is advancing steadily on key facilities including pavilions. The Organiser is on schedule to complete international pavilion units and deliver them to Participants by December 2026.
Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the BIE, stated: "As a Specialised Expo with an exceptional level of participation, Expo 2027 Belgrade creates a unique opportunity to explore the theme of Play — not only within individual pavilions, but also between participants, through dialogue, collaboration, innovation, culture and the thematic weeks that will bring ideas together.”
First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali stated: “Today, Belgrade once again showed delegates from many countries around the world how seriously it is approaching the organisation of the upcoming Expo and how dedicated we are to this effort as we strive to be a host that will be remembered. Preparations for 2027 are progressing according to plan, and the Expo, which will be the largest Specialised Expo in terms of the number of participating countries, will be a source of pride for Serbia, but also a new engine of growth, capital for the future, a driver of a new era of development, and a crown symbolising the journey from a country on the brink of bankruptcy to a country that will next year become the centre of the world. We are moving forward with a development plan through 2030, because Serbia intends to continue this wave of progress. You are welcome in our country, and I wish everyone great success at the Expo. Serbia is waiting for you.”
Serbia was elected as the host of Specialised Expo 2027 during the 172nd General Assembly of the BIE in June 2023. Taking place on a 25-hectare site in Surčin, Expo 2027 Belgrade is set to welcome over 130 countries between 15 May and 15 August 2027.
Expos are global events that explore a chosen theme through engaging and immersive discoveries. Among the different categories of Expos, Specialised Expos are designed to respond to a precise challenge facing humanity and may take place in the interval between two World Expos. Specialised Expos are limited in terms of duration - lasting up to three months - and space - with the exhibition area not exceeding 25 hectares. The site is entirely built by the Organiser, Participants being provided with pavilion space.
The most recent Specialised Expo, Expo 2017 Astana, took place in the capital of Kazakhstan under the theme “Future Energy”, and received almost 4 million visits.
