Expo 2017 Astana
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| Expo 2017 Astana | |
|---|---|
| Name | Expo 2017 Astana |
| Caption | Official emblem of Expo 2017 |
| Location | Astana, Kazakhstan |
| Dates | 10 June – 10 September 2017 |
| Theme | Future Energy |
| Visitors | 3,922,967 (official) |
| Participants | 115 countries, 22 international organizations |
| Area | 25 ha (site) |
| Previous | Expo 2015 Milan |
| Next | Expo 2020 Dubai |
Expo 2017 Astana was an international specialized exposition held in Astana (renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019 and reverted 2022), Kazakhstan, from 10 June to 10 September 2017. The exposition, recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), focused on the theme "Future Energy" and convened sovereign states, multilateral organizations, corporations, and civil society to showcase innovations in energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and sustainable urban design. The event linked high-profile participants from across Eurasia and the Americas and drew nearly four million visitors to newly developed exhibition zones and legacy facilities.
Background and Bidding
The bid for the exposition was submitted to the Bureau International des Expositions in the context of Kazakhstan's post-Soviet nation-building and internationalization strategy under the presidency of Nursultan Nazarbayev. Competing bids included proposals from Łódź and Yekaterinburg (the latter had previously bid for a different Expo). The BIE decision reflected geopolitical and developmental considerations involving the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and regional investors. Kazakhstan's successful candidature built on precedents set by Expo 2010 Shanghai and Expo 2000 Hannover, emphasizing technology transfer, foreign direct investment, and soft power projection through architecture and large-scale events.
Theme and Objectives
The official theme, "Future Energy," framed discourse around energy security, decarbonization, and innovation in the wake of climate negotiation dynamics such as the Paris Agreement. Objectives included showcasing renewable energy prototypes from participants like Germany, Japan, China, United States, and France, fostering partnerships with entities such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the World Bank. The exposition aimed to catalyze projects linked to regional initiatives, including connectivity corridors like the New Silk Road and investments tied to the Eurasian Economic Union.
Site and Master Plan
The Expo site occupied reclaimed land on the left bank of the Ishim River in Astana, adjacent to landmarks such as the Khan Shatyr entertainment center and the Baiterek Tower. Master planning involved international firms and consultants with experience on projects including Masdar City and Songdo International Business District. Infrastructure upgrades linked the site to national projects like the Astana International Airport expansion and rail corridors connecting to Moscow and Beijing. Temporary and permanent structures included modular pavilions, energy testing arenas, and a central hub inspired by contemporary works such as Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster designs, integrating photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, and district heating prototypes.
Pavilions and Exhibits
A mix of national, corporate, and organizational pavilions occupied the site. Notable national participants included Russia, China, South Korea, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, India, United Arab Emirates, and Canada, each presenting exhibits on smart grids, concentrated solar power, and storage solutions. Corporate presences featured companies and institutions with histories tied to projects like Tesla, Inc. innovations, Siemens industrial systems, Schneider Electric energy management, and ABB grid technologies. International organizations such as UNESCO and World Wildlife Fund hosted thematic exhibitions, while research institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Imperial College London, Tsinghua University, and Skolkovo Institute presented prototypes and demonstration projects. Kazakhstan's national pavilion showcased projects linked to KazMunayGas and regional sustainable development strategies.
Cultural and Scientific Programs
Programming combined cultural showcases, scientific forums, and practical demonstrations. The exposition featured high-level conferences drawing speakers from institutions such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and Asian Development Bank (ADB). Science programs included workshops led by researchers from Stanford University, ETH Zurich, Tokyo Institute of Technology, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne on storage, grid resilience, and hydrogen. Cultural events highlighted Kazakh traditions alongside artistic collaborations involving ensembles from Bolshoi Theatre, contemporary artists affiliated with the Venice Biennale, and performances coordinated with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Attendance, Economics, and Legacy
Official figures recorded approximately 3.9 million visitors and participation by 115 countries plus 22 international organizations. Economic impacts were debated among analysts from institutions including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and regional think tanks; assessments weighed construction spending, tourism revenue, and long-term returns through technology partnerships and the conversion of site facilities into the Astana EXPO Park and convention venues. Legacy projects included a science and technology center, exhibition halls repurposed for conferences linked to Expo 2017 themes, and collaborations with programs like IRENA and UNDP on regional energy projects. The exposition influenced subsequent regional planning, informing policymaking in capitals from Nur-Sultan to Astana’s international partners and contributing to global dialogues at forums such as the COP23 and G20 ministerial meetings.