Switzerland officially confirms its participation in Expo Astana 2017

The next world fair will take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from 10 June to 10 September 2017. Under the motto of 'Future Energy', participating states will address the issue of the sustainable use of limited resources. With the conclusion of a participation agreement with Expo Astana 2017 on 21 January 2016, Switzerland formally confirmed to the organisers of the world fair the decision taken by the Federal Council on 22 April 2015.

The first world fair to be held in Central Asia will focus on the theme of 'new energies'. Participating countries have therefore been called upon to submit projects that address key challenges such as CO2 reduction, energy efficiency and energy supply.

On 22 April 2015 the Federal Council decided that Switzerland would participate in Expo 2017, and approved a credit of CHF 4.7 million for this purpose. Sponsors will contribute CHF 1.55 million towards Switzerland's participation. The Federal Council has commissioned Presence Switzerland to design the Swiss pavilion for Expo Astana 2017.

At an event on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland has now formally confirmed that it will take part in the next world fair. Manuel Salchli, commissioner general for the Swiss pavilion at Expo Astana 2017, signed the participation agreement in the presence of Kazakh representatives.