Barbados celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Saturday, with a focus on climate change, and the need for collective action and advocacy to protect the planet.
The Honourable Ms Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, was welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
HE Ms Mia Mottley said: “Expo 2020 Dubai brings together the people of the world in the midst of a global pandemic, at a very difficult and uncertain time in human civilization. The one way to come out of this period is by building bridges and respecting diversity in our world. This World Expo is the platform and a microcosm of what is possible when we come together and recognise that our common humanity binds us, there is much more that we have in common than separates us. Let us work together on global issues of climate change that challenge the very existence of our planet and humanity.
“There is great opportunity for further partnership and deepening cooperation between our two countries and it is against that backdrop that we took the decision to establish an embassy here in Abu Dhabi, which will formally open tomorrow, creating opportunities for business and tourism.”
HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan said: “Barbados’ participation in Expo 2020 Dubai promotes the country as a place that is business-friendly and laden with opportunities, as well as one that is actively working towards building a sustainable and resilient economy.
“We share thriving relations with Barbados, as one of our trusted partners in the Caribbean, and hope to build on the existing partnerships between our two countries as we explore the potential for further collaboration in areas of mutual interest, such as tourism and innovation.”
The speeches were followed by a colourful cultural performance celebrating the Caribbean nation’s rhythm and culture with a foot-tapping song and dance medley by artists, accompanied by the beat of drums. Celebrations will continue in the evening at Festival Garden featuring musical performances from the island of the sun.
Earlier at a press conference, Hon Mottley spoke about climate change, stressing the need for global advocacy and collective action. The Prime Minister emphasised that Barbados, along with the world’s other island nations, remains on the front line and that the 1.2C temperature rise was already a tipping point for them.
The Barbados Pavilion, based in the Mobility District, tracks the country’s journey from a sugar cane plantocracy to a sustainable digital society, and looks at the global contributions the Caribbean island makes today.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo 2020’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
