Horticulture, innovation, and sustainability, all components that make the World Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha unique, have finally come to light as the event kicked off yesterday. Since the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) approved Qatar’s request to host the top-tier Expo, organisers have been working round the clock to prepare a befitting venue for the historic event. Held at Al Bidda Park under the motto “Green Desert, Better Environment”, the Expo will enable Qatar to showcase its world-class entertainment and explore an essential aspect of its development strategy – finding solutions to pressing environmental challenges. The Expo is also a first in the region.
Yesterday, the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, alongside several heads of state, opened the six-month Expo. Highlighting Qatar’s commitment to combating climate change and desertification, the Amir, in a post on X, stated environmental development is one of the four pillars on which Qatar National Vision 2030 was based since 2008, adding that the State of Qatar gives a special priority to combating climate change and desertification and today the inauguration of the 2023 Doha Horticulture Expo comes within the framework of that priority.
Meanwhile, in a speech, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, noted that Qatar’s hosting of the Expo aligns with the country’s commitments to sustainable development nationally and globally. The PM called the event a qualitative addition to Qatar’s various initiatives to ensure a safer and more stable future for all people across the globe.
More than three million visitors worldwide are expected to attend the event from 2 October 2023 to 28 March 2024. Horticulture, innovation, and sustainability enthusiasts and experts, including government officials, non-governmental organisations, commercial affiliates, partners and the general public, will participate in the event. Organisers have announced over 80 countries and organisations have confirmed participation, including Türkiye, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Oman, Rwanda, Senegal, India and the Netherlands.
The Expo’s significance cuts across challenging global issues, particularly in the Middle East. It would highlight techniques that enable the sustainable cultivation of trees and crops in arid lands and how they can reverse desertification worldwide. Around one-third of the world’s land is threatened by desertification, a major threat to the livelihoods of millions and detrimental to the ecosystems that dry lands provide. The Expo’s ‘Green Desert’ concept would create a platform for modern agriculture based on technology and innovation, powered by enhanced environmental awareness and encouraging conscious sustainability globally in the long run.
