Belize, a Central American country on the Caribbean coast, has participated in the first International Planning Meeting (IPM) for Expo 2027, and officially confirmed its participation in the Specialised Expo which will be held in Belgrade from May 15 to August 15, 2027, with the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All."A member of the British Commonwealth that gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, Belize established bilateral diplomatic relations with Serbia in 2019 in New York. Expo 2027 now presents an opportunity to deepen those ties in the spirit of strengthening friendship and cooperation.Belize is home to a multi-ethnic society composed of various ethnic groups, including descendants of the ancient Maya civilization, which has had a significant impact on the country’s social and cultural landscape, as well as Creoles, Garifuna, Mestizos, and others. Each of these groups has its traditional dances. The Maya perform the Deer Dance and Cortez Dance; the Creoles are known for the Sambai, Kunjai, and Bram dances; while the Garifuna people perform the Wanaragua dance. These dances are typically accompanied by drums, by far the most common instrument, and the marimba, a traditional percussion instrument.Among Belize’s most well-known traditional games, which emphasize community and cohesion, are Pok ta Pok, a revived ancient Maya ballgame played mainly in the northern and western parts of the country, and Brok Makachista, which is primarily played in Creole communities.The most popular sports in Belize include cycling, canoeing, horse racing, and cricket. Possibly the most famous athlete of Belizean descent is Simone Biles, widely regarded as the most decorated gymnast in history and one of the greatest of all time.Belize made its debut at the International Exhibitions at the 1984 Specialised Expo in New Orleans and is also participating in Expo 2025 in Osaka. The country became a member of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in 1997.Mr. Ishmael Quiroz, Executive Director of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), conveyed sincere thanks to the Expo 2027 organizers for their inclusion of Belize in the IPM in stating: On behalf of Belize’s Investment and Trade Promotion Agency, BELTRAIDE, and the Ministry of Investment in the Office of the Prime Minister, I extend sincere and hearfelt thanks for the special invitation for Belize to be represented in this singularly exciting global opportunity. Special recognition is also extended to the IPM organizers for a thoroughly successful and highly informative event, which certainly sets the stage for much success and impact leading to 2027.
