World Expo 2017 begins in Astana today

The three-month long World Expo 2017 begins in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan on Saturday.

The main theme of the expo is "Future Energy," and 115 countries and 20 international organisations will present innovations in reducing energy use as well as new technologies and alternative energy sources.

The expo opens with the Eighth International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development, hosted by the government of Kazakhstan and the UN Regional Commissions.

The forum begins with the ministerial conference, "Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Energy." The various dialogues at the ministerial conference will cover a range of energy-related topics, such as security, infrastructure, the energy-food-climate nexus, and trade and renewable energy in Central Asia, among other things. "Development will falter in the absence of concrete measures to improve energy productivity, rationalise energy use, optimize … resources, and deploy both new energy technologies and sustainable energy infrastructure," according to a press release issued by the conference organisers.

The International Forum on Energy for Sustainable Development lasts from June 12 to June 14, and the event schedule includes sessions on the socio-economic benefits of renewable energies, regional cooperation on renewable energy in Central Asia, and so-called "Smart Cities."

Panel discussions at the forum will cover aligning renewable energy and energy efficiency policies, system integration of renewable energy from a regional perspective, and coal mine methane and its strategic role in climate change mitigation, among other things.

There will also be workshops, including creating the business case for energy efficiency by the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources (UNFC), renewable energy by the United Nations Development Account (UNDA), and the modernisation of the energy sector by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

EXPO 2017 lasts until September 10 where more than 2 million people are expected to participate.

Meanwhile, the organisers completed all-out preparations to make the Expo 2017 a success.

Tight security measures have been taken to ensure congenial atmosphere during the Expo. Law enforcing agencies and military formed a tight blockade around the entrance to the environs.

On Friday evening dignitaries from more than 30 countries and international organisations arrived and they were greeted by Kazakhstan's president Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Russian president Vladimir Putin capped off this ceremony, with a long and warm greeting by Nazarbayev.

Following the ceremony, the dignitaries were whisked away in black vans to a live performance at the Expo amphitheater.

This show expanded on the abstract theme of the Expo, "Future Energy," with dancing solar panels, flying astronauts, singing children's choirs, huge physical props, and a visual effects show on the massive screens behind the stage.

At the end of the ceremony, each dignitary was introduced again, ending with a small military parade to introduce President Nazarbayev, and a performance of the Kazakh national anthem. A flag ceremony followed for each participating country, nation and international organisation.

In a speech by International Exhibitions Bureau president Steen Christensen, he stressed the need for cooperation in developing new technologies to solve the energy crisis.

"Without clean and reliable energy, there is no bright future for our world … there is no sustainable development," Christensen said.

The opening ceremony lasted until almost midnight, ending with a grand concert and fireworks that set off car alarms for a kilometer around the expo center.

Meanwhile, President Sauli Niinistö will visit Kazakhstan and the Astana World Expo on 19–20 June 2017. He will also meet with his Kazakhstan counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev, said an official press release.

At their meeting on June 20, both the Presidents will discuss relations and trade between Finland and Kazakhstan. Topical issues related to Russia, the EU and China will also feature in the discussions. President Niinistö last visited Kazakhstan in 2015.

Niinistö will deliver a speech at the opening of Finland Day at the World Expo and tour Finland and Kazakhstan’s pavilions. The theme of Finland’s pavilion will be ‘Finland – clean energy’. Finland’s pavilion introduces Finnish companies representing sectors such as cleantech and education.

As part of the World Expo, President Niinistö will also participate in an event focusing on business cooperation and an evening reception celebrating the centenary of Finland’s independence.

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Kai Mykkänen, and a Finnish business delegation will accompany President Niinistö to the Astana World Expo.