Michelangelo’s iconic statue of David will be the symbol of the Italian Pavilion at the Milan Expo 2015 global trade convention.
Since 1504, when it was unveiled in Florence, it has been an emblem of the city republic’s pride and ability, despite its small size, to defend itself against much bigger rivals, as well as to represent the Renaissance ideal of manhood. Since then it has become one of the signatures of Italian cultural excellence.
A copy of the Florentine emblem and one of the supreme achievements of Italian art, will introduce visitors to the pavilion which aims to relaunch the country at the world’s fair, focused on fighting hunger.
“The Italian government – said Prime Minister Enrico Letta – is strongly committed to the success of the event: the objective is to boost economy and raise our country’s appeal”.
Letta, outlined the future plans for the 2015 deadline. “We don’t only have to look good and perform well – he explained – we also have to make sure that we can create new jobs”.
Up to now almost 132 countries have confirmed their membership to the Expo. In the last weeks many countries and international organizations signed their participation. Among them the European Union and the United Nations.
For the first time, the United Nations will not have their own pavilion but will have cross sections inside the exhibition site. They will develop specific contents for the Zero Pavilion and Thematic Areas and will organize events, starting with the Un-Expo Days dedicated to their activity. In cooperation with the Countries and Civil Society Organizations, the Un will organize meetings and create thematic routes crossing the pavilions.
“This new model of Un involvement in World Expositions is based on a strategic partnership approach between the host country Italy, Expo 2015 Milano and the United Nations, and this model will be what should be continued in future editions of Expo”, said Eduardo Rojas-Briales, the Un Commissioner General for Expo 2015 and Fao’s Assistant Director-General for Forestry”.
This is a result to be proud of, on considering that the Un three agencies, Fao, Ifad and Wfp, dayly strive to ensure food and nutrition worldwide and this is exactly the reason which will lead the Un’s participation in Expo Milano 2015.
This cooperation is yet another proof of the global interest in the Universal Exposition’s theme: ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’ that encompasses a challenge that sees us all united: ensuring each and every one of us healthy, safe and sufficient food amid sustainable development.
Premier Enrico Letta once more hailed the impact and significance of the keenly awaited event. The Expo will provide a “key global forum” to discuss such important issues as poverty and nutrition, Letta said.
Italy is already working on what is called the “Milan Protocol”: it will commit signatory countries at Expo to work to reduce food waste by 50% by 2020, as well as to promote sustainable agriculture and healthy lifestyles. The plan is to reduce food waste that now equals more than one billion tonnes annually worldwide.
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