The government of The Bahamas has established a National Committee for the World Expo 2020, which will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from October 2020 to April 2021.

The committee will comprise of government agency officials, academics, and members of the private sector and civil society, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell said during a press conference at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, August 25, 2016.

The chair of the National Committee is the director general of the foreign service, Sharon Brennen-Haycock.

The Bahamas has also appointed ambassador-designate Tony Joudi as commissioner general of The Bahamas Pavilion.

“Participation in the Expo is a monumental step for The Bahamas, and early preparations have commenced in order to ensure the most effective results possible,” Minister Mitchell (pictured) said.

He said the theme of the Expo is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” representing the UAE’s vision that this is a way to bring nations and people closer, through collaborations and partnerships towards building a better world.

Under the umbrella of the main theme, Expo 2020 has three sub-themes: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

“The Bahamas has accepted the invitation and ultimately the challenge of once again putting The Bahamas on the world stage, in a region that presents great opportunity for the country’s economic growth and development,” the Minister said.

“The Expo will provide a tremendous opportunity for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to put on exhibition its culture, and positions the country to benefit from business opportunities, new technologies, commerce, trade and most important, tourism.”