RIYADH: Riyadh Expo 2030 will propel the Saudi capital onto the global stage through its innovative transformation “while being deeply rooted in its cultural essence,” said an international expert on mega events.
During an interview with Arab News, Philippe Blanchard, former director of the International Olympic Committee and a senior adviser to Dubai Expo 2020, emphasized the significance of the event for both Saudi Arabia as a whole and for Riyadh in particular. Drawing from his extensive experience in organizing major events, Blanchard also discussed the potential challenges and shared strategies for overcoming obstacles to ensure the event’s success.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
Based on your past experience, how can Riyadh benefit from the event on the global stage?
We need to bear in mind that a mega event is not merely an “event,” it is a narrative unfolding before our eyes. I witnessed this over the last 33 years, since my very first Games in 1992.
The Saudi Vision 2030 is about holistic transformation — economic, cultural, and social. Riyadh Expo was designed to be a canvas where each stroke of innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange will paint Riyadh not just as a participant but as a protagonist in the global theatre.
It is about forging a new identity for the city, one that resonates with a global audience while being deeply rooted in its cultural essence. But all this needs to be extremely fine-tuned on the organization side. Very precise (and shared) objectives, clear deliverables are required to ensure the narrative reaches the global audience and creates the necessary impact. Riyadh and Saudi Arabia have gone through a tremendous transformation. Expo is a fantastic opportunity to take it to the world.
What are the key challenges in managing the event and in coordinating with the Bureau International des Expositions and its member states?
Whether it is about an Olympics or a World Expo, the challenge for the host territory is like navigating a vast, complex ecosystem, with many different stakeholders.
On the one hand, coordinating with the BIE, the governing body in charge of overseeing and regulating World Expos, involves adhering to strict guidelines and protocols, ensuring the event’s integrity and international standards.
On the other hand, there’s also the intricate diplomacy with the BIE member states, each with their unique expectations and contributions. It’s like conducting an orchestra where every instrument is from a different part of the world, each with its own melody. The synchronization required is immense — balancing the Kingdom’s vision with the practicalities of dozens of countries investing resources, time, and cultural narratives into the event.
In my career, I witnessed several situations in which countries got this part wrong and could not catch up after this. It was dramatic as a lot of energy and money had been invested in the preparation and the infrastructure. But missing the steps results in low attendance and buy-in from the member states. It also leads to disengagement from national stakeholders.
How can Riyadh ensure that this event retains its “human touch” and heritage amid logistical and temporal pressures, especially given the diverse set of international stakeholders?
Here’s where the art of complexity management becomes crucial. Listening is paramount — to the expectations and aspirations of the local communities as well as the ambitions of international participants.
The human touch is preserved through empathy and negotiation, ensuring every voice is heard and every culture is respected. Shanghai 2010, Milan 2015, and Dubai 2020 have taught us that when participants feel like co-authors of the event’s story, the event transcends from mere spectacle to a profound human experience. It’s about ensuring that amidst the steel and concrete, the heart of the event — the human story — continues to beat strongly.
Over the years and experience, specific frameworks and guidelines have been developed to ensure the right results.
How can Riyadh balance the high expectation following the BIE vote with the practicalities of execution?
This balancing act is where the vision must meet the ground. The initial bid was a dream, a promise to the world. Now, it’s about translating that promise into tangible reality. This involves a continuous dialogue — not just between the vision of the bid and the feedback from stakeholders, but also between the Kingdom’s expectations, the BIE’s requirements, and the capabilities of member states.
Resource allocation must be strategic, ensuring infrastructure supports but does not overshadow the cultural and human exchange. Like a desert blooming, it’s about fostering growth where every participant’s contribution, from the smallest cultural exhibit to the grandest architectural marvel, is vital.
How does the interaction with the BIE and its member states complicate or enhance the legacy planning for the Riyadh Expo 2030?
Interaction with the BIE and member states is a double-edged sword in legacy planning. On the one hand, the BIE provides a framework for excellence and accountability, guiding the event towards lasting impacts.
On the other hand, the diverse interests of member states lead simultaneously to a rich tapestry of legacies — economic, cultural, and educational — and also to potential conflicts in vision and resource allocation.
The key is in harmonizing these interests into a cohesive strategy where the legacy is not just about the physical remnants but about the societal transformations that continue long after the event. Success will be when these legacies resonate like the echo of a well-played symphony, long after the last note has faded.
