The first International Planning Meeting for Expo 2027 Belgrade is currently taking place at the Sava Center, bringing together more than 400 delegates from around 150 countries. This marks the largest diplomatic event in Serbia leading up to the specialized international exhibition.
The opening ceremony featured speeches from First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Dimitri Kerkentzes, and Director of Expo 2027 Belgrade Dušan Borovčanin. Among the attendees was also Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
This gathering is the first of four planned preparatory meetings with participating and interested countries.
Delegations include high-level officials from across the globe, including nations such as Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Jamaica, Japan, China, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cuba, and Eswatini. Ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors, and heads of national institutions responsible for foreign trade, economic development, sports, tourism, culture, innovation, education, and youth are present in Belgrade for the occasion.
The purpose of the meeting is to present the current progress in preparations for Expo 2027, which will be held in Belgrade from May 15 to August 15, 2027. Participants will also be informed about upcoming steps and future activities in the organization of the event.
Delegates will have the opportunity to visit the construction site of the Expo and get an overview of the work in progress. At the Belgrade Fair, they can explore the Showroom, which offers a preview of what the exhibition will include.
This meeting serves as a key moment for bringing together organizers, BIE officials, and country representatives to discuss the ongoing preparations. The event includes meetings, presentations, and sessions that will cover everything from the exhibition’s main theme and subthemes to the master plan, pavilion design, logistics, digital platforms for participants, and on-site operational plans.
Delegates will also receive technical guidance regarding pavilion construction and the overall site infrastructure. A dedicated simulation area for Expo 2027 has been set up in Hall 5 of the Belgrade Fair and will soon be accessible to the public.
Expo 2027 Belgrade will last for 93 days and will be held under the theme “Game(s) for Humanity: Sport and Music for All.” The exhibition will explore three key topics: The Power of Play, Let’s Play Together, and Game(s) for Progress.
Recently, the official mascots for Expo 2027 were presented at the Serbian Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka. The mascots, a boy and a girl, are designed as young ambassadors who combine the spirit of sport, the rhythm of music, and the drive for innovation. They reflect both Serbian tradition, through elements like the vest and belt, and modern identity, symbolized by the play button on their chests.
A public vote is underway to choose the mascots’ names. Suggested name pairs include Rastko and Milica, Momčilo and Tamara, Beo and Bela, Zmaj and Lira, Viktor and Ada, Vitez and Aria, Miha and Nika, Volt and Runa, Ringe and Raja, Etsi and Peci, Ritam and Dinamika, Sava and Nada, Zvrk and Čigra.
The selected names should best represent the spirit of Belgrade and Serbia, as well as the values that Expo 2027 aims to share with the world. Voting is open to everyone until September 1 on the official Expo 2027 Belgrade website.
