World Expo 2030 advocates humanity: KCCI Chief Chey

Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group and the chief of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), speaks at a press conference with foreign correspondents in Seoul on July 26. [Courtesy of KCCI]

Busan’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo is driven by a commitment to seeking humanitarian solutions for pressing issues confronting the global community, said Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group and the chief of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

“Hosting the World Expo could induce an economic effect of about 60 trillion won ($47.1 billion) but what‘s more crucial than the potential economic gains is Korea’s role as a responsible actor in paving the way for the future of humanity,” Chey said, during a press conference with foreign correspondents in Seoul on Wednesday.

Chey introduced Wave, a digital solution platform developed by the KCCI in March where voluntary participants propose ideas and develop them into action plans through collective intelligence.

The KCCI’s plan is to establish national pavilions for all countries worldwide and create a group dedicated to gathering and solving pressing issues until November. Currently, 61 country pavilions have been established on the platform.

“We face numerous pressing issues, yet we have been unable to resolve them in a timely manner,” Chey said. “We need more people and platforms that are willing and committed to addressing these accumulating issues.”

Chey particularly emphasized the humanitarian approach to the exhibition.

“This presents a new opportunity to form deep and extensive relationships with many countries,” he said. “Unlike previous Expos, which mainly focused on showcasing technologies, the aim is to present solutions and demonstrate how people‘s lives have changed.”

He also stated that Busan has a competitive edge over its competitor Saudi Arabia with Wave.

“Saudi Arabia is also a strong contender, but our focus on solutions sets us apart,” Chey said. “We advocate for a shift from the previous hardware-centric approach to the Expo. We believe this can be another step for humanity. This solution platform could become a legacy for humanity.”

Prior to the voting scheduled in November, seminars and gala dinners are set to take place on October 9 in Paris, France, where the Bureau International des Expositions headquarter is located. There will also be K-pop performances.