Some events leave lasting impressions. I daresay that anyone who has visited Italy has returned with fond memories of their trip. Well, next year there will be one more reason to go -- and a compelling one at that.
In the six months from May to October of next year, Milan will host EXPO 2015, the latest in the world series of international expositions, better known as World Fairs. EXPO Milan 2015 will draw together 144 nations, international organizations, civil society and corporations to showcase their current activities and proposals for the future, themed around food and nutrition.
A visitor-oriented event that will leave the more than 20 million expected guests of all ages and backgrounds and interests marveling, as they explore future trends in different thematic areas: future foods, children's parks, biodiversity, and the arts and food. The welcome center to EXPO 2015 is a journey following man's footprint on the globe in an extraordinary and captivating history that provides inspiration for the future.
Food and nutrition have become, in a certain sense, a call to action. Why? Let's consider just some of the many ways in which what we eat affects us: our senses and likes and dislikes, our health, our physical and mental capabilities, how we interact, how we contribute to culture, how we evolve, and how we view the future. And in the end, our very sustainability. One of the challenges of humankind in the XXI century revolves around how to feed the planet's growing population in ways that are sustainable and healthy and at the same time respectful of cultures, bringing them added value.
This is precisely the theme of the Milan's EXPO 2015: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.
EXPO Milan 2015 is also a unique opportunity for companies to showcase leadership, innovation, and solutions in their fields on an international scale and attract the attention of institutions, governments, and consumers from around the world.
A network of women from the world over will connect in an initiative called "WE-Women for EXPO." Women are the custodians of customs, rules, ancient traditions, and sense of innovation that in turn equip them with capabilities to nurture others. The members of this network will participate in a truly unique and symbolic event at EXPO Milan, a global dining table that connects them via TV or the web. At the nexus between nutrition and culture, "WE-Women for EXPO" will also generate a book with the largest compilation of authors published to date, a multi-sensory installation, and a global collection of special recipes.
While in Rome this past March 27, President Obama announced that the United States is busy working on its national pavilion, American Food 2.0. Friends of the U.S. Pavilion Milan 2015 led by the International Culinary Center in New York, the James Beard Foundation, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy have come together to build a truly amazing and state of the art exhibition area.
Everyone, from the scientist, to the inquisitive and ultra tech-savvy generation z-ers, will be awed -- and also wowed by EXPO Milan 2015. Make sure not to miss it.
That is why Italian embassies in Washington, D.C. and all around the world celebrating Italy's National Day on June 2nd highlighted this extraordinary event.