Dimitri Kerkentzes: Expo is a Global Investment, Not Just for the Host

The World Expo 2025, held on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, has attracted large crowds from the first day. Among the most eye-catching and eco-friendly pavilions is the Serbian one. In addition to the many visitors patiently waiting in line to see how Serbia envisions the society of the future ahead of Expo 2027 Belgrade, the pavilion has also drawn the attention of high-ranking officials from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, the international body responsible for overseeing and regulating International Exhibitions, expressed his admiration for the design and programming of the Serbian pavilion. He was particularly impressed by how it connects to the central theme of the first Expo in the Western Balkans: “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All.”

“I was very pleasantly surprised by how you’ve taken the Osaka Expo theme, ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, and used it to present your vision of the future as you prepare to host your first International Exhibition in 2027. The entire pavilion is unique and devoted to the concept of play, something you don’t often see. It’s an excellent preview of your upcoming Expo. You have a great story, and I’m confident that you’ll not only attract considerable attention here in Osaka but also inspire the world to come to Serbia in two years,” said Kerkentzes, adding that International Exhibitions are one of the best opportunities for countries to unite around a common goal.

“Japan has a long tradition of organizing Expos – it’s hosted five to date. Once again, the world has come together in Japan to seek solutions for a better future for all humanity. The Japanese have a remarkable ability to gather the world at the right time, when it's needed most. What visitors feel and discuss here over the next six months will take on even greater significance in Belgrade in 2027. I believe those experiences will be even more meaningful when visitors arrive in a country that has never before hosted an International Exhibition,” Kerkentzes said.

Addressing common public confusion about the difference between World Expos and Specialised Expos, Kerkentzes emphasized that their similarities are far more important than their differences.

“The only real difference is in the duration – Osaka's Expo will last six months, while Belgrade's will span three. But in terms of importance, there’s no distinction. Every Expo brings the whole world together, regardless of the host country’s size. There’s no difference in the impact, the message, or the participating nations. I’m convinced Serbia will be a very successful host of this Specialised Expo. Judging by the current level of interest among countries planning to attend Expo 2027 in Belgrade, it’s clear just how important this event is,” he added, noting that nearly all host countries face similar challenges.

“Every Expo host faces, more or less, the same challenges. Most are related to the site development and supporting infrastructure, ensuring the event is accessible to all interested participants. Due to the high number of visitors, airports must be prepared, and cities must be equipped across all sectors to handle the increased flow of people and meet their needs,” Kerkentzes explained.

He also pointed out what may be the biggest challenge of all: convincing countries that Expo is a worthwhile investment.

“The investment you make – or the one Japan is making now – pays off through tourism, indirect tax revenues, and spending by participating countries and visitors. So, you could say that Expo is a global investment, not just one made by the host. It’s also an opportunity to show the world everything Serbia has to offer,” Kerkentzes concluded.