Representatives of countries and international organizations gathered in Belgrade on June 10 an 11 for the first International Planning Meeting (IPM) ahead of Expo 2027 Belgrade, marking a significant milestone on the road to the next Specialized Expo.
Convened by the Government of Serbia and the Organizer of Expo 2027 Belgrade in collaboration with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the IPM brought together country representatives, BIE officials and Expo organizers to align on preparations, exchange information and set the stage for international collaboration. The meeting took place with just under two years to go until the Expo’s official opening on May 15, 2027.
As the first large-scale international gathering of key stakeholders, the IPM allowed international representatives to gain insights into Serbia’s vision for the Expo. The meeting included detailed briefings on the development of the Expo theme – “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” the master plan, the construction timeline, and operational and logistical planning.
Participants reviewed plans for the development of the Expo site, located on the banks of the Sava River, and observed a large-scale mock-up offering a visual representation of the site’s future configuration.
Opening the meeting, the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, emphasized the importance of this early stage of collaboration, stating: “For the first time, a Specialized Expo will be held in the Western Balkans — a region of diverse cultures, remarkable heritage, and dynamic creativity. Through Expo 2027 Belgrade, the world will discover new perspectives, new voices, and new opportunities to connect and to inspire. This week’s important meeting helps all participants to craft compelling themes that resonate with the world, to design innovative pavilions and programming that captivate the imagination, and to carefully plan operations and logistics to ensure seamless participation for everyone involved.”
First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali stated: “Less than two years remain until May 15, 2027, and the opening of Expo in Belgrade. We are proud that our country has been chosen to host this prestigious global event, and our task now is to ensure that all participating countries and the expected three to four million visitors have the most pleasant stay in Serbia. Preparations for Expo are progressing according to the planned schedule, so that everything is ready by December 1, 2026, when we are to hand over the ‘keys’ to the Expo site. As part of these preparations, it is my great pleasure that we have hosted the International Planning Meeting in Belgrade, where we welcomed representatives from over 110 participating countries. Together, we have discussed the next steps in the organization and plans for Expo 2027.
“All relevant institutions of the Republic of Serbia, along with our Expo team, are fully committed and available to assist participating countries in both their preparations and their stay in Serbia. Our goal is for everything to run flawlessly and for all participants to leave Belgrade with the fondest memories, having presented their countries in the best possible light.”
The IPM is the first of several meetings to be held before Expo 2027 Belgrade opens to the public. Through these gatherings, the Organizer and participants will work together to ensure a meaningful and impactful event
Expo 2027 Belgrade was formally recognized by the BIE in November 2024, following the election of Serbia as host country by BIE Member States in June 2023 during the Organization’s 172nd General Assembly.
Organized under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” Expo 2027 Belgrade will be the first Specialized Expo to be held in the Western Balkans. The event is set to receive over 4 million visitors and welcome over 120 countries between May 15 and August 15, 2027.
