Sharjah 24 - WAM: Expo 2020 Dubai has been a beacon of hope for millions of people around the world who have visited and participated, both physically and virtually, uniting the international community in a time of uncertainty.

Expo has been hailed as "a beacon of global optimism" and "an incredible accomplishment" by leaders and dignitaries from all over the world who attended during last months. Expo 2020 will continue to bring the world together during challenging times, with the need for resilience continuing in the face of the global pandemic, and demonstrating that, now more than ever, we need to keep pulling together as an international community.

From January 15th to 22nd, Expo will host the first Global Goals Week outside of the UN in New York, bringing to life the Sustainable Development Goals, as the push continues to create a better, fairer, and more just world by 2030.

With the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', it will be the seventh Theme Week held under Expo's flagship Programme for People and Planet.

Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General said: "You have presented a real vision for how the world can look beyond the UAE – beyond your neighbourhood – into this global community. You've given hope and dignity to everyone involved in this Expo.”

[Expo 2020] is a beacon for global optimism, responsible and sustainable world development, nations standing together in the face of adversity, personal and collaborative creativity, the unique beauty of human harmony, and – most importantly – friendship, communication, and recognition that we are all in this together in determining a healthy future for planet Earth. President of the Republic of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, stated.

Expo is expected to result in a cleaner, safer, and healthier world for all.

Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf stated: "Expo enables us to create innovative solutions for the benefit of the global market and the greater good. It's a genuine opportunity for co-creation and innovation. With the Expo relationship, I am confident that we will be able to develop new ideas and solutions together."

Our lofty goal of 'Connecting Minds' will be met, and an incubator will be built to hatch sustainable solutions to our common issues – solutions that, hopefully, will build a more prosperous and peaceful future for us all. Lesotho's King Letsie III stated

It was not easy to host the world's largest gathering in the midst of a pandemic, but international leaders praised Expo 2020 for doing so safely and responsibly.

President Macron of France said: "We're delighted to be here, and I want to congratulate the UAE on this Expo for organising it and making it a success – because it is already excellent for UAE and It benefits all."

ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi said : "I thank the UAE for successfully bringing the world community to Dubai. The UAE has demonstrated its leadership as a driving force for global collaboration and unity by bringing the globe together during these difficult times."

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, said: "Organizing such a huge event would be a major effort at any time," remarked Swiss President Guy Parmelin. But to achieve so in an uncertain period like the last 18 months is amazing."

In the second half of Expo 2020, which runs until March 31, 2022, visitors are invited to join in the making of a new world in a celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress, and culture.

According President of Senegal, Macky Sall, "our world needs this ray of light to bring back some colour and help rebuild hope for a better future." In this way, the Universal Expo promotes peace and discussion between cultures and civilisations. Expo 2020 is all about this.