Expos happen every five years in varying host cities around the world. The 2015 Expo took place in Milan, Italy under the theme “Feeding the planet, energy for life.” World Expo unites people, instills pride and is a major catalyst for job creation and economic growth.
Expos are large-scale public exhibitions focused around a central theme that allow countries to come together in the same physical space and share ideas.
The 1889 World Fair brought the world the Eiffel Tower, 1970 saw the introduction of IMAX, and 1982 first showcased the touch screen. Since the first World Fair in the 19th century, Expos have been events of historical significance.
Read the full Expo 2025 Canada Feasibility Study Overview (September 2016).
Hosting a World Expo in 2025 would bring Toronto and Canada to the forefront of international attention. Watch Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam’s Expo TEDxTalk to learn more about possibilities an Expo would bring:
Shanghai 2010: “Better City, Better Life”
Expo Shanghai 2015 was held on both banks of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China, from May 1 to October 31 2010. The theme of the exposition was “Better City, Better Life” and signifies Shanghai’s new status in the 21st century as the “next great world city.” By the end of the expo, over 73 million people had visited – a record attendance – and 246 countries and international organizations had participated. The Expo introduced numerous urban best practices and concepts from all over the world which the organisers hope will be a lasting legacy for better urban life in China and around the world, and advocated for future development to focus on environmental sustainability, efficiency and diversity.
Milan 2015: “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”
Expo Milano 2015 was held from May 1 to October 31, 2015. Milan became a global showcase where more than 140 participating countries showed the best of their technology that offers a concrete answer to a vital need: being able to guarantee healthy, sustainable, safe and sufficient food for everyone. In addition to the exhibitor nations, the Expo also involves international organizations, and expects to welcome over 20 million visitors to its 1.1 million square meters of exhibition area. Expo Milano 2015 was a platform for the exchange of ideas and shared solutions on the theme of food, stimulating each country’s creativity and promoting innovation for a sustainable future.
Dubai 2020: “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”
The theme of Dubai’s World Expo will be “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. This echoes the spirit of partnership and co-operation that has driven the UAE’s success in pioneering new paths of development and innovation. Through this theme, Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as a catalyst, connecting minds from around the world and inspiring people to mobilize around shared challenges. It will be a World Expo of unprecedented global scope, under the sub-themes of Mobility, Sustainability & Opportunity. The world’s tallest commercial tower to be built in Dubai was given the name “Burj 2020” in honor of the World Expo 2020.