Expo 2023
Expo 2023 was a planned specialized international exposition sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 15 January to 15 April 2023, under the theme "Science, Innovation, Art and Creativity for Human Development. Creative Industries in Digital Convergence."[1] It would have been the first BIE-recognized exposition in Latin America, spanning three months on a site limited to 25 hectares as per BIE regulations for specialized events.[1] The event aimed to showcase advancements in digital convergence across creative industries, including theater, cinema, music, dance, literature, visual arts, and gastronomy, while highlighting Argentina's cultural diversity and ethnic identities.[2] However, on 14 October 2020, the Argentine government notified the BIE that the exposition could not proceed as planned due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis.[3] This led to the official cancellation of Expo 2023, with no rescheduling announced, marking a significant setback for regional hosting ambitions.[3] Prior to the cancellation, preparations had advanced considerably: Argentina secured the hosting rights on 15 November 2017 after a competitive bid process against proposals from the United States (Bloomington, Minnesota) and Poland (Łódź), with the selection occurring via secret ballot at the BIE's 162nd General Assembly.[1][4] The proposed site was envisioned in the Vicente López district of Buenos Aires Province, specifically in Parque del Bicentenario, Villa Martelli, featuring innovative infrastructure such as a pedestrian bridge and boulevard designed to connect existing parks and foster public interaction post-event.[5] An international design competition in 2019 awarded the masterplan to Argentine studio ASN/nOISE, emphasizing sustainability by transforming temporary structures into a permanent public green space after the exposition.[5] Organizers also launched calls for ideas in 2019 to engage participants on sub-themes like creative industries and human development, culminating in selected concepts presented to BIE member states.[6] Despite these efforts, the cancellation shifted focus to future opportunities, including Argentina's subsequent bid for Expo 2027, which it lost to Belgrade, Serbia.[3]Bidding Process
Candidatures
The bidding process for the Specialised Expo 2022/23, later designated as Expo 2023, was governed by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organization responsible for regulating international expositions. The candidature period opened following the closure of bids for previous events, with governments required to submit a letter of candidature detailing the proposed host city, dates, and theme. This initial phase closed on December 15, 2016, resulting in four countries expressing interest.[7] The initial candidates included Argentina for Buenos Aires, Brazil for Rio de Janeiro, Poland for Łódź, and the United States for Minneapolis. Each proposal outlined a specialized exposition lasting approximately three months, focusing on themes aligned with global challenges such as sustainability, innovation, and human development. However, only three countries—Argentina, Poland, and the United States—advanced by submitting comprehensive bid dossiers by the April 2017 deadline. These dossiers provided detailed plans for infrastructure, participation, sustainability, and legacy impacts, which were distributed to BIE member states for review. Brazil's initial candidature for Rio de Janeiro, themed "Metropolitan Cities and Sustainability: Cross Border Potentials" and scheduled for March 4 to May 27, 2022, did not progress to the full bid stage.[7][8] The three formal bids were as follows:| Country | City | Proposed Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Buenos Aires | January 15 – April 15, 2023 | Science, Innovation, Art and Creativity for Human Development |
| Poland | Łódź | June 15 – September 15, 2022 | City Re:Invented |
| United States | Minneapolis | May 15 – August 15, 2023 | Healthy People, Healthy Planet: Wellness and Well-Being for All |