Expo Milano 2015, UNSGAB (United Nations Secretary-Generals' Advisory Board on Water & Sanitation) and the municipality of Milan, together for a conference on policies for water.

Speakers:
Giuliano Pisapia - Mayor of Milan
Romano Prodi - UN Special Envoy for the Sahel
Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales - Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions
Emma Bonino - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Italy
Chen Lei - Minister of Water Resources, People's Republic of China
Uschi Eid - United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB), Acting Chair
Eduardo Rojas-Briales - Commissioner-General for United Nations Participation in Expo Milano 2015
Margaret Catley-Carlson - Vice Chair of the Canadian Water Network and member of UNSGAB
Roberto Bazzano - President of Federutility, the Italian Federation of Energy and Water Companies, and President of IREN S.p.A.
Giuseppe Sala - Commissioner of the Government of Italy for Expo Milano 2015, and CEO of Expo 2015 Company

Essential for men and environment’s life. Fundamental for drinking, to ensure the hygiene and the irrigation of fields. Such a priceless resource that is often the heart of serious conflicts. Water and the problems given by its scarcity and waste have been the pivotal themes of the meeting “Saving the Future Drop by Drop: Expo Milano 2015 water strategy”, held this afternoon at Palazzo Reale, in Milan.

The conference is one of the most important moment during the annual convention of the United Nations Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB), the United Nations Committee dealing with water and hygiene issues all over the world. The 2013 edition was organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan and the Expo 2015 Company.

The conference took place at the presence of His Majesty Willem-Alexander, King of Netherlands, and was attended by the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs Emma Bonino, who explained how Expo Milano 2015 will contribute to solve the main problems related to the lack of water or its misuse.

The meeting was attended also by the Major of Milan Giuliano Pisapia, the Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales and the Commissioner for Expo Milano 2015 Giuseppe Sala. President Romano Prodi, UN’s Special Envoy for Sahel, participated in the meeting with a video-message. Were also present the UNSGAB Vicepresident Uschi Eid, the People’s Republic of China Minister for Water resources and UNSGAB delegate Chen Lei, the UN General Commissioner for Expo Milano 2015 Eduardo Rojas-Briales, the President of the Global Agenda Council on Water Security for the World Economic Forum and UNSGAB delegate Margaret Catley-Carlson, the President of Federutility (Energy and Water Companies Italian Federation) and president of IREN S.p.A. Roberto Bazzano.

The meeting was organised with the contribution of Amiacque, Cap Holding, Federutility and Metropolitana Milanese.

By participating to the convention with the United Nations Committee engaged in finding concrete solutions on water policy issues, Expo Milano 2015 enters the international discussion on sustainable development of the world, which will be enriched by the theme “Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life” with suggestions and reflexions during the six-months event and in the following years.

Starting from a very early stage, the Expo 2015 Company has illustrated the Expo concept and elements, providing Official Participants with numerous tools to support their active engagement and cooperation, recognizing the essential role they play as core providers of content and Exhibition Space display at the Expo.

Following the release of the International Participants Guide, which introduces the concept of the Expo, and of the Theme Guide, which provides Participants with guidelines for the development of our Theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, Expo Milano 2015 now continues in its effort to best support Participants by issuing specific sets of Guidelines for Self-Built Exhibition Spaces: the Design, Construction, Set-up and Dismantling Guide and the Technological Services Guide.

Mindful that Official Participants building their own Exhibition Space bear a particularly important responsibility as they strive to provide a truly unique experience for visitors while integrating into the broader Expo Smart City, Expo Milano 2015 has decided to present these innovative Guides through an ad hoc International Participants Workshop  which took place in Bergamo on the 2nd of  May 2013. The Workshop encouraged extensive discussion and exchange between the Organizer and Official Participants on all aspects related to planning and building Exhibition Spaces.

During the Workshop, the Organizer presented all technical information needed to plan and design a Self-Built Exhibition Space as well as the guidelines for design and use of technologies at Expo Milano 2015. The Organizer also introduced Expo Official Partners and their proposed products and solutions, explaining how these solutions could be implemented and managed with the support of participating Countries.

Interactive screens. Augmented reality. And engaging installations. Focuses on technology and innovation the exhibition “Pianeta Expo 2015. Conoscere, gustare, divertirsi” (Planet Expo 2015. Learn, Enjoy, Have Fun - May 11 to June 9), presented this morning at the Milano Triennale. Organized together with the Thematic Spaces Division of the Expo 2015 Company, the Exhibition tells the issues, occasions and opportunities opened by the World Expo, guiding the citizens to the discovery of the most important international event Italy will host in the coming years.

The exhibition route was illustrated by Claudio De Albertis, president of the Triennale of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, sole commissioner of Expo Milano 2015, and the curator Felice Limosani. The meeting was attended by Edoardo Guenzani, Mayor of Gallarate, Roberto Scanagatti, Mayor of Monza and President of the Villa Reale and of the Park of Monza Consortium, Cristina Cappellini, councilor for Culture, Identity and Autonomy of the Region of Lombardy, Giacomo Buonanno President of the MA * GA Museum, and Emma Zanella, MA * GA director and curator of the exhibition“E subito riprende il viaggio…”. ("And immediately resumes the journey ...").

The theme of Expo Milano 2015, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”, the involvement of countries (to date 128 officials adhesions) and the thematic areas in which specific itineraries will be developed related to food, will be the key topics of the event and they will mark the journey proposed by “Planet Expo 2015”. But there is more. On 750 square meters which make the exhibition site the most important elements that characterize the site hosting the 2015 World Expo will be shown. Among those, the Cluster Project: nine exhibition areas which gather under the same architectural structure countries sharing the production of a particular type of food (Coffee, Cocoa, Rice, Cereals and Tubers, Spices, Fruits and Vegetables) or interested in developing a shared topic (Bio-Mediterraneum, Islands and the Arid Zones).

Thanks to a series of installations evoking the area of about one million square meters on which will the Countries’ pavilions arise, those who visit the exhibition will immerse themselves in an entertaining way in the world of Expo Milano 2015 and in the projects the Universal Exhibition will give life to. The Italian Pavilion will be told by a video presenting the project winner of the design international competition for the Italian’s exhibition space and the best projects participating at the contest.

Today the Republic of Angola signed the participation contract of Expo Milano 2015, the next Universal Exposition, to be held in Milan from May 1st to October 31st 2015. The contract, which defines Angola’s commitment at the Universal Exposition, was signed by the Commissioner General and Special Advisor to the President for Regional Affairs, Albina Faria de Assis Pereira Africano, and by Giuseppe Sala, Sole Commissioner of Expo Milano 2015. With this signature, Expo Milano 2015 has now signed 44 contracts, out of a total of 128 countries which have so far confirmed their participation.

The ceremony was also attended by the Angolan Ambassador H.E. Florencio Mariano Da Conceicao De Almeida, and by the members of the Angolan Republic Inter ministerial Committee for Expo Milano 2015, including the Director of Communication and Marketing, António Mascarenhas, the architect Paula Nascimento, the Director of Logistics Neuza Dias dos Santos and the nutritionist Nataniel Africano.

In the 2,010 square metre area on which the pavilion will be built, Angola will develop its interpretation of the core theme of Expo Milano 2015 "Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life". Thanks to the Angolan interpretation of the theme “Food and Culture: Education for Innovation”, visitors will have the possibility to experience the richness and cultural diversity of Angola’s cuisine, as well as the rituals and traditions associated with it. Visitors will learn to recognize the products of Angolan nutrition that will be used for future generations in a healthy, sustainable diet.

The objective of the Pavilion is to raise awareness regarding Angola which is building its future and educating its people regarding nourishment and food. This is carried out thanks to campaigns in schools and colleges, the effort to create regulations regarding locally manufactured and imported food products or introducing health standards at local food markets. Innovation entails the encouragement and integration of century-old best practices found indigenously and new technologies.

Much emphasis will also be given to the role of women as the pillars of the home. Women represent the origins of nutrition, from maternity, to family management, health, safety and education and they are responsible for directly transmitting  cultural values.

“The theme of Expo Milano 2015 Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life  allows us to reflect on the global challenges of malnutrition which afflict millions of people on the planet and, in particular, in Africa” said Albina Assis Pereira Africano, General Commissioner of the Angolan Pavilion. “In our pavilion we will illustrate our vision of the future with the intent of educating younger generations to adapt the best practices of their nutritional heritage to the requirements of the modern world”.

The atmosphere of Expo Milano 2015 conquers the center of Milan. Saturday, May 4th, on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 24 new flags of the countries which have confirmed their presence at the World Expo have been unveiled.

Anticipating what will happen in the exposition site from May 1st to October 31st 2015, on the “Boulevard delle Bandiere” (“Boulevard of Flags”) - which starts from Via Dante, continue along Piazza Cordusio and Via dei Mercanti then goes on over Piazza del Duomo and the Corso – have found space the 128th Official Participants who have already joined the project.

The ceremony, attended by the mayor of Milan Giuliano Pisapia and CEO of the Expo 2015 Company Giuseppe Sala, opened the first weekend of the ExpoDays 2013, a calendar of 150 events organized by the City of Milan and the Expo 2015 Company to make citizens aware of the challenges and opportunities enclosed in the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”.

“The parade of flags which runs from Castello Sforzesco till Piazza San Babila, in the heart of Milan – commented the mayor Giuliano Pisapia -, is now enhanced by national symbols of 24 new countries. We are at quota 128 adhesions at Expo 2015. This makes us understand which and how many are the expectations from several countries and gives us a lot of hope for the present and for the future. Expo will bring to Milan 20 million visitors - he added -, will create 200 thousand jobs and treat important issues such as water, healthy nutrition and the fight against waste. All these elements make us be optimistic”.

The unveiling of the banners of the nations and international organizations present at Expo Milano 2015 is a highly symbolic moment: it shows the international involvement and the spirit of sharing and openness with which Milan, Lombardy and all Italy are getting ready to this important event.

“The flags are becoming increasingly more and this means the exposition will truly be universal, and thus will be an international success – commented the CEO Giuseppe Sala -. Italy needs the world, but even the world has a great need of our country. There are still two years at the opening of the Expo, we must do a great rush, but we will do so together with the other countries”.

To create the atmosphere you will breathe walking along the Cardo and the Decumano will be the statues of the “Popolo del Cibo” (“People of the Food”), the group of sculptures inspired by the works of Arcimboldo created ​​by the three times Oscar-winning set designer Dante Ferretti, who is engaged in the staging of the two avenues of the exposition site. 3.5 meters high, these high-impact installations are on display for the whole month at Stazione Centrale, in via Beltrami and at the Trienniale.

“Expo 2015 – said the PM Letta -, is really the heart of Italy’s recovery possibilities”. These are the words the Prime Minister Enrico Letta used to emphasize the government support to the World Expo. Visiting Milan, this morning the PM signed the Decree providing "special powers" to the CEO of the Expo 2015 Company Giuseppe Sala, from today sole commissioner.

Together with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Maurizio Lupi, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Nunzia De Girolamo, the Minister for Heritage, cultural activities and tourism Massimo Bray and the undersecretary in charge of Expo Maurizio Martina, the Prime Minister attended an operative meeting with the top management of

the organizing company. The meeting was attended the President of the Lombardy Region, Roberto Maroni, the mayor of Milan, Giuliano Pisapia, the President of the Province of Milan Guido Podestà and the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan, Carlo Sangalli. Were present the President of the Expo 2015 company and Commissioner General of the Italian Pavilion Diana Bracco and the CEO Giuseppe Sala.

“Expo 2015 – said during a press conference the PM Letta -, will be a key moment to catch a recovery for our country. It will not end in 2015 – he added -, but it must have a future. As well as all that will happen on the Site. In the words of the Prime Minister, the Mayor Pisapia and President Maroni "will guarantee the efficient work and the fact that Expo will leave an important sign for the future of this part of Italy. It will be an extremely successful event”.

After thanking the Government and the Commissioners Pisapia and Formigoni, who preceded him, the CEO Sala declared: “This special law has arrived at the right moment. I consider it an act of trust in the future. However, we will be very careful: the lawfulness - he explained - will not conflict with the urgency. We have worked hard so far: we have a good project, many countries and many companies have joined. It was not granted. We are pleased with what has been done and aware of what we still have to do”.

The Mayor Pisapia has shown satisfaction at the decision, in favor of concreteness, taken by the Prime Minister: “Today marks exactly this passage: no more words – he declared - but facts and quickly, because the time is short but sufficient for those instruments that the Prime Minister gives to Giuseppe Sala. This is the first fundamental measure for the Expo site”.

Agrees the president Maroni: “The signing of the decree - he explained after the meeting - is an important signal. Milan must become the capital of Europe: the Expo is not only of Milan and Lombardy, nor only Italy, it is the showcase of the world and we must be able to represent all of Europe. We must begin to talk about the contents of the Expo: nutrition is a theme we have to enhance”.

Can food be a commodity? Carlo Petrini will talk about this in the next appointment with “ Convivio”, Monday, May 13 at 20:30 on the stage of Piccolo Teatro Grassi in Milan.

With his lecture on "The paradox of the global food system," the founder and president of Slow Food will explain how we have lost touch with what we eat. Food has become a commoditized, assessed solely and exclusively on the price set by market rules. The industrial food system has created a standardization among the products, promoting monocultures, polluting the environment and harming biodiversity. We have lost awareness of the true value of what we eat, which goes beyond the material one. The value related to our roots, to the knowledge of raw materials and their origin, in a delicate balance between man and the nature surrounding him.

Thus ends, after eight exciting appointments, the second cycle of “Convivio. A tavola tra cibo e sapere” (Convivio. Food and culture on table), which has examined the relationships between food, culture and society.

To participate to the meetings of "Convivio", organized by the Corriere della Sera Foundation, along with Expo 2015 Company, reservations are required by sending an email to rsvp@fondazionecorriere.it or by calling the number +39 02.87387707.

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Romano Prodi is the next guest of “Convivio. A tavola tra cibo e sapere” (Convivio. Food and culture on table). On 22 April at 20.30 at the Piccolo Teatro Strehler let’s discuss about Water: peace or war in the twenty-first century. The UN Special Representative for the Sahel will focus his lecture on water, aware of the role Expo Milano 2015 can and must play in bringing at the center of the global debate the issues and problems related to water scarcity.

Although much of the globe is covered by water, for more than a billion people the access to drinking water is a daily challenge. The reasons can be many: pollution, climate change, waste management and management mistakes. Water thus becomes an increasingly precious resource, which also leads to armed conflict. As in Egypt, Sudan and in the Countries upstream of the Nile.

Romano Prodi, who as president of the Council supported the candidacy of Milan to host the 2015 World Expo, is certain the capital of Lombardy is the perfect place to start thinking and suggesting effective and lasting solutions on these issues.

During the evening of “Convivio” will start a journey that, through reflections in the legal, economic and socio-political areas, will redesign the way we think about water and invite us to reflect on the related issues.

To participate to the meetings of "Convivio", organized by the Corriere della Sera Foundation, along with Expo 2015 Company, reservations are required by sending an email to rsvp@fondazionecorriere.it or by calling the number +39 02.87387707.

Today Malaysia signed the participation contract of Expo Milano 2015, the next Universal Exposition, to be held in Milan, Italy, from May 1st to October 31st 2015, and which will focus on the universal theme “Feeding the planet, energy for life”.

Malaysia’s interpretation of the core Expo theme is entitled “Towards a Sustainable Food Ecosystem”. The concept of the Malay Pavilion will be from the seed to the consumer, an economic transformation plan to propel Malaysia's small agricultural segment into a large-scale high-income industry that contributes to economic empowerment in the struggle against poverty. Malaysia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage is evident in its culinary traditions. This fascinating journey from tradition to innovation will be demonstrated to Expo Milano 2015 visitors in the Malay Pavilion.

The contract, which defines Malaysia’s commitment at the Universal Exposition, was signed by the Commissioner General of the Malay Pavilion, Datuk Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Secretary General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and by the CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A., Giuseppe Sala. With this signature, Expo Milano 2015 has now signed 39 contracts.

The ceremony was attended by the Commissioner General of Expo Milano 2015, Senator Roberto Formigoni, and by Wong Lai Sum, CEO of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Deputy Commissioner General of the Pavilion, by Azlina Sites, Consul and representative of MATRADE in Milan, and by Paul Vitali, Marketing Officer of MATRADE in Milan. MATRADE is the agency which will help Malaysia in the development of the project. Wong Tiang Sing, deputy director of the Malaysia Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) and Shamilah Perumal, Officer of the Malaysia Ministry of International Trade&Industry (MITI) were also part of the delegation.
Environmental sustainability will be the key topic of the Malaysian participation. The pavilion, which will be built on a ​​2,047 square meter area at the center of the exposition site, near the area dedicated to the Civil Society of Cascina Triulza. The pavilion will be built with ecofriendly materials, with a focus on increasing the efficiency of the resources used, in particular solar energy and water.

“Expo Milano 2015 will be not only a showcase of excellences, but also a unique opportunity for development and growth for each participating Country - pointed out Roberto Formigoni, Commissioner General of Expo Milano 2015 -. In this respect, I am sure Lombardy and Italy will be able to fully grasp the extraordinary chances coming from a young, open and growing reality such as Malaysia: it will amaze and fascinate thanks to its advanced knowledge and experience, especially in sustainable agriculture, through a wise mix of traditional techniques, modern technology and innovation in the food chain”.

"We are very pleased to participate at the Milan Expo” said Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Commissioner General of Malaysia for Expo Milano 2015. “The prominent position of our pavilion will give us the opportunity to explain how biodiversity and agriculture and the intelligent use of technology can live together. We will also show the products and dishes of our multi-ethnic and multicultural cuisine: an opportunity not to be missed".

"The idea chosen by Malaysia at Expo Milano 2015 reflects the success of our project” said Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A.. “The theme Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life has raised great interest in participating countries. I am sure the Malaysian experience in sustainable agriculture will prove to be a reference point, especially for those countries in which agriculture is the primary production sector".

Expo Milano 2015 is at “Lunch of a Lifetime” on Sunday 28th April at Harrods. Seven of the world’s top Italian chefs, with a total of 13 Michelin stars, join forces to serve the ultimate Italian pranzo in the new edition of Identità London: Massimo Bottura, the brothers Enrico and Roberto Cerea, Carlo Cracco, Gennaro Esposito, Luciano Monosilio and Davide Scabin.

Nutrition, declined in its numerous aspects, will be the core theme of the Universal Exhibition which will take place from 1st May to 31st October 2015. Milan will host this event with the theme Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” highlighting Italian tradition, culture and expertise. Throughout history, nutrition and good cuisine have always gone hand in hand and Italy has always paid great attention to this strong connection. Italy is the home of wellbeing and knowledge linked to food production and diet, thanks to the outstanding quality of its products.

Expo Milano 2015 will pose one fundamental question, a great challenge of our time: is it possible to ensure sufficient, good, healthy, suitable food for the whole Planet? Indeed, today over one billion people in the world go hungry and an equivalent number suffer from obesity; and as years go by the problem becomes more and more dramatic.

The theme was chosen in order to give a contribution to the international debate, to arouse emotions, to educate. All these elements will be reflected everywhere within the Exhibition Site, where Countries, International Organizations, Non-governmental Organizations and Corporations will be invited to display their vision of the theme and suggest actual solutions to the problem.

Particular attention will be dedicated to edutainment. Being an Event on food and nutrition, participating Countries will come to display the best of their food tradition, showing the real essence of their culture. Expo Milano 2015 will be a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy tastes and flavours from all over the world. Visitors will be able to meet the whole world while walking through the site and to taste the unique cuisine of each country.

As of today 128 Countries have confirmed their presence and we expect to welcome more than 20 million visitors to Expo Milano 2015.

The Great Volleyball comes back to Italy and celebrates with the contribution of Expo Milano 2015. It is the headquarters of the company organizing the World Expo that this morning presented the calendar and events of the Women's Volleyball World Championship - Italy 2014.

The meeting was attended by the President of the Organizing Committee of the 2014 Women's World Cup Carlo Salvatori and the President of the Italian Federation Carlo Magri. With them, the CEO of Expo 2015 Company Giuseppe Sala.

Today's event marks the start of a collaboration valuable in the view of an important goal: the establishment of a national schedule of sports events for the six months in which Milan will be the focus of world attention, with the World Expo.

It reinforces the commitment that Expo Milano 2015 has already signed with CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) and the CIS (Sports Centre Italian), to initiate a program dedicated to young athletes to raise awareness on the issues and challenges posed by the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”.

 “We are pleased - explained Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 Company – that the Italian Volleyball Federation wanted us by their side presenting the Volleyball Women's World Cup to be held next year in Italy. As well as we are delighted that some matches will be played in Milan. The city is getting ready for international events of increasing importance, culminating in 2015 with the Universal Exhibition. Sports events have a special ability to involve and aggregate, a model for those who are organizing an event of universal significance. In fact, teamwork is the philosophy that Expo Milano 2015 is following to achieve its goals. We have already in 128 adhesions and we signed high-level partnerships. But among our goals there is also the ambition to promote and spread among young people healthy lifestyles, in which sport plays a major role”.

From May 1st to June 2nd, Milan is preparing to host the “ExpoDays”, a month of initiatives, in-depth discussions, as well as concerts, parties, shows and events dedicated to explore the universal and complex theme of nutrition from environmental, historical, cultural, anthropological, medical, technical, scientific and economic perspectives.

The second edition of “ExpoDays” is sponsored by the City of Milan and Expo 2015 Company, as part of the City Operations program, the plan of the integrated activities for the preparation of the city to welcome the World Expo, and this year it will last an entire month: thirty-two days during which Expo Milano 2015 will enter the daily life of the Milanese and the people in town for business or tourism.

“On May 1st it will be exactly two years before the beginning of the World Expo – said Milan’s Councillor for Culture Filippo Del Corno -. Building a concrete path to Expo 2015 is therefore a top priority for this Administration. This is why we wanted to make the calendar of 'ExpoDays': a whole month of events engaging the city not only with insights and exchanges in the Expo’s themes, but also with moments of 'shared happiness' during shows, musical and artistic events. It will be a true rehearsal of 'FuoriExpo' 2015, which will involve all the people of Milan, women and men, children and elderly”.

The first week, culminating on the weekend of May 4 and 5, is devoted to the issues of food and the relationship between cities and peri-urban agriculture. Central moments will be the signature at Palazzo Marino of the Charter against food waste by the Mayor of Milan, on May 3rd; the initiative “Cascine Aperte” (“Open Farms”), which will see 25 Milan farms open their doors to citizens with proposals of free activities dedicated to children and adults, on May 4th and 5th; and farmers markets in the Castello Sforzesco with “Cibi d’Italia” (“Food of Italy”), May 3 to 5, organized by Coldiretti. Finally at the Fabbrica del Vapore on 4th and 18th May, Slow Food organizes the “Mercato della Terra di Milano” (“Earth Market of Milan”), where you can buy the products of the land for directly by those who produce them. During this weekend there will be an event of high symbolic value for Expo Milano 2015: the morning of May 4th in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the new flags of the countries that have confirmed their participation at the World Expo will be unveiled. The banners will thus enrich the Boulevard of Flags that already goes from via Dante up to the Corso.

The second week is dedicated to the site of Expo Milano 2015 and the innovations the World Expo is bringing to the structure of Milan. The theme, the Cluster pavilions - dedicated to Coffee, Cocoa, Rice, Cereals and Tubers, Spices, Fruits and Vegetables, Bio-Mediterranean Islands and Arid Zones - and the thematic ones which will arise on the exhibition area, together with the “Vie d’Acqua” (Water Ways) project will be the focus of the exhibition “Pianeta Expo 2015. Conoscere, gustare e divertirsi” (“Planet Expo 2015. Learn, taste, have fun”), which will be inaugurated on May 10th at the Milan Triennale. Interactive screens with “augmented reality” and engaging installations will accompany visitors through the exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Spaces Theme Direction of the Expo 2015 Company. On the Navigli Canals, the Salone Nautico (Boat Show) will recall the theme of water and the project of making navigable waterways in Milan. The music will be the great protagonist with “Radio Italia Live”, the big concert organized by Radio Italia for the evening of May 11th in Piazza del Duomo to draw the younger people closer to the spirit of “ExpoDays”; while from 10 to 12 May “Pianocity” will invade with the notes of his concerts the city streets and houses.

The third weekend, May 18th and 19th, will introduce the debates and initiatives on science. At the Museum of Science and Technology will take place “L’Expo degli scienziati” (“Expo of Scientists”), the first symposium dedicated to Expo Milano 2015 organized by Fondazione Feltrinelli. During the “Settimana delle Università aperte” (“Week of the Open Universities”), the city will organize events in all the universities of Milan with the coordination of the City International Scientific Committee. Thanks to the FAI and his project “Via Lattea”, in the main streets and squares of Milan events will be organized to enhance the Parco Agricolo Sud Milano (Milan South Agricultural Park): farmers markets, educational gardens, performances by street artists as well as flag-waving and kites. Even the Milan Food Week enters the “ExpoDays” appointments. From May 17 to 25, for a week, Piazza San Babila and numerous restaurants and venues in town will host food and wine events, performances and special courses of cooking schools. The best Italian chefs will offer themed menus, while art galleries will exhibit works inspired by the food world.

Finally, in the last weekend of May 25 and 26, a series of events related to the partnership of Expo Milano 2015 and dedicated to the Smart City will be proposed. Innovation and technological research will be celebrated in two other appointments in the “ExpoDays” program: the Wired Next Fest (May 30-June 1) will transform for three days the Montanelli Gardens, the Natural History Museum and the Hoepli Planetarium, hosting lectures, workshops and special events; and on May 31st and June 1st will end the project “Changemakers for Expo Milano 2015”, organized by Expo 2015 Company and Telecom Italia with the support of the accelerator business Make a Cube, which led to the creation of 10 start-ups that will change the lives of millions of people.

Another protagonist of the weekend of 31 May-2 June will be the ice cream. From 12 to 24 o’clock, Piazza del Duomo will stage “Gelato Festival Milano” (“Ice Cream Festival Milan”): show cooking, meetings and workshops with the best ice cream makers and the main Italian and foreign companies in the sector.

Throughout the month, Piazzetta Reale, Viale Alemagna, via Beltrami and the Central Station will be the setting to the “People of Food”, a series of installations inspired by the work of Arcimboldo and created by Dante Ferretti. This is a special preview of the atmosphere the 20 million visitors of the 2015 World Expo will savour walking through the scenic arrangements the three-time Academy Award winner set designer is making for the Cardo and the Decumanus, the two main boulevards of the Expo Milano 2015 site.

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The Board of Directors of the Expo 2015 Company, which met today in Milan, notes with deep satisfaction the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers this morning.

The appointment of a Sole Commissioner for Expo Milano 2015 is a decisive step towards the best outcome of the event and will enable to put in place the necessary works on schedule, without the slightest damage to the dutiful controls of legality and procedural fairness.

Two years before the opening of the World Expo, the international attention is getting stronger, with 128 adhesions confirmed.

The number of companies taking the roles of official partners are also significant increasing: today we have a very prestigious team, and soon new champions will join it, for grants which are already more than 250 million euro.

Finally, the realization of the great Italian Pavilion is beginning, whose winning design was presented a few days ago.

There are thus all the conditions for bringing to the world a special edition of the World Expo, making it a great service to Italy.

Now is the time for strong institutional initiative, for the best use of all available resources.

The very rapid decision the Council of Ministers made today, after an examination within tight deadlines of the norm on the Sole Commissioner, demonstrates the active attention of the government and the most sincere cooperation of the offices.

The Board of Directors of Expo 2015 S.p.A. wants to acknowledge publicly this, as the best hope to the hard months of work ahead of us.

Expo Milano 2015 crosses the line of the 128 adhesions. A little more than two years before the opening, the goal of the 130 Official Participants is getting closer. The last countries having confirmed their participation, enriching the varied geo-political map the Exposition Universal designed, are Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe.

To make the announcement with a tweet the Commissioner-General Roberto Formigoni: “Guinea and São Tomé and Principe have joined #Expo 2015. The number of participating countries keeps growing. There are 128 of us”.

The theme “Feeding the Planet. Energy for life” gathers a strong and involved international participation. With the signing of the contract by the Kingdom of Bahrain, this morning, already 42 states have signed and defined their commitment within the area of about one million sm that will house the pavilions.

The Cluster project and the idea of ​​tourning the exhibition site in a Digital Smart City of the future, thanks to the most innovative and advanced solutions Expo 2015 will develop together with its partners, are having a great success. More than 8o% of the world population is represented in Expo Milano 2015.

The confirmation of the two African countries, respectively 127th and 128th Official Participant, arrives in a very important day in the path towards the World Expo of Milan. This morning, at the Triennale di Milano, was awarded the winner of the International Design Competition for the Italian Pavilion. To establish itself over 68 projects submitted, the idea of the studies Nemesis & Partners Srl in Rome, Proger SpA of Pescara and BMS Progetti Srl in Milan.

Until now joined the Expo Milano 2015 Switzerland, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Romania, San Marino, Egypt, Peru, Russia, Uruguay, Togo, Germany, Guatemala, Cambodia, Honduras, Mauritania, Slovenia, Monaco, Uzbekistan, Spain, Albania, Israel, Kuwait, Colombia , Armenia, ONU, Syria, Iran, Gabon, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Mongolia, India, Georgia, Bolivia, Saint Lucia, Latvia, Tunisia, Argentina, Lithuania, Congo Brazzaville, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Mali, Algeria, Dominica, Belgium, Republic of Palau, Micronesia, Ecuador, China, Chile, United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Moldova, Nepal, Qatar, Thailand, Lebanon, Slovakia, Tajikistan, France, Guinea Bissau, Oman, Korea South, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, Uganda, Japan, Palestine, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Costa Rica, Kenya, Cameroon, Guinea Conakry, Brunei, Panama, Zambia, Benin, Yemen, CERN, Congo Kinshasa, Hungary, Ghana, Gambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Ivory Coast, Angola, Iraq, Malaysia, Vatican City, Afghanistan, Estonia, Myanmar, Cuba , El Salvador, Paraguay, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, the Sovereign Order of Malta, Laos, Niger, Croatia, Jordan, Serbia, European Commission, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Brazil, Central African Republic, Mexico, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The winning project of the International Design Competition of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2015 was declared this morning at the Hall of Honor of the Milan Triennale. The ceremony took place at the presence of Paolo Peluffo, Under Secretary of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for Expo Milano 2015; Giuliano Pisapia, Mayor of Milan and Special Commissioner of Expo; Maurizio Del Tenno, Minister of Infrastructure and Mobility of the Lombardy Region; Claudio de Albertis, President of the Triennale; Giorgio Squinzi, President of Confindustria; Diana Bracco and Giuseppe Sala.

The Selection Committee has evaluated 68 projects submitted from all over the world. The jury, chaired by engineer Antonio Acerbo, was composed by architect Ciro Mariani, engineer Monica Antinori, lawyer Antonella Cupiccia and architect Patricia Viel, indicated to represent the professions by the Order of Architects of the Province of Milan. The jury was also supported by an Inquiry Committee which verified the conformity of the participating projects with the notice of competition. Till today the projects have remained completely anonymous to ensure the maximum transparency and objectivity in the selection.

The winning project is extremely ambitious and it definitely lives up to represent our Country. It will interpret the contemporary Italian culture, including both the Italian Palace (about 12 thousand sq.m.) and the other pavilions located along the Cardo, which will host a variety of exhibitions and institutions activities: an avenue that stretches for 325 meters.

The Pavilion will thus be the showcase of Italy, a true flagship store of the Italian excellences. But it will also be a place where visitors can experience the emotions and the magic of a journey through our beautiful Country, with its lifestyle worldwide recognizable.

Nemesis & Partners Srl in Rome, Proger SpA of Pescara and BMS Progetti Srl of Milan wanted the architecture design of the Italian Pavilion to be represented as a community gathered together around a square: the emptiness houses the symbolic centerpiece of the exhibition space and gives shape to the volumes of architecture. The volumetric articulation of the project of Palazzo Italia is based on four main blocks, arranged around an empty central square (connected by bridge-elements), hosting the main functions: Exhibition Area, Auditorium, Offices and Meeting Rooms.

The project develops the idea of ​​an architectural body as much as possible energy independent, to guarantee the maximum balance between production and consumption of energy.

“With the proclamation of the winning project of the competition for the Italian Pavilion of Expo Milano 2015 - said the Mayor of Milan and Special Commissioner for Expo Milano 2015 Giuliano Pisapia -, today an amazing journey consisting of creativity, advanced technology and commitment to sustainable development begins. From Casa Italy and the square where it will rise, in the very heart of the Expo - he added -, a universal message that, thanks to the work of many young talents, will act as a bridge between the past and future of Italy, and the past and future of the planet spreads. The Italian Pavilion will be not only ambassador of ‘Made in Italy’ in the highest of its traditions, but will also testify how the people of Milan and Italy are able to rise from every crisis, even the most difficult, with a surge of pride made of commitment, culture and passion. A renaissance challenge which starts in Milan and Lombardy, but must be met by everyone: Institutions and citizens. Italy cannot afford to lose it”.

The Winning Projects

Visit www.padiglioneitaliaexpo2015.com

Today the Kingdom of Bahrain signed the participation contract of Expo Milano 2015, the next Universal Exposition, to be held in Milan from May 1st to October 31st 2015. The contract, which defines Bahrain’s commitment at the Universal Exposition, was signed by the Commissioner General of the Pavilion, Hesham Al Saken, Director of Tourism, Marketing and Promotion of the Ministry of Culture of Bahrain. With this signature, Expo Milano 2015 has now signed 42 contracts, out of a total of 126 countries which have so far confirmed their participation.

In the 2,010 square metre area on which the pavilion will be built, Bahrain will give an alluring interpretation of the core theme of Expo Milano 2015 "Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life". Visitors to the exhibit will explore the many facets of Bahrain through a highly engaging path leading them through the history of a great nation. Using the latest technologies, visitors will interact virtually with Bahrainis to learn of the country’s agricultural and aqua-cultural heritage and to learn more about the country and its people. Through interactive maps, they will learn of the country’s prime location in the Arabian Gulf and its wise stewardship of its natural resources including oil and gas.

A key element of the exhibit will be Bahrain’s many programs to harness its life-giving waters, both its deep artesian wells and offshore freshwater springs from which its name is derived. Its desalination, waste and water management programs will also be showcased.

The Bahrain Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 will invite visitors to follow in the footsteps of the famed traveler Ibn Battuta who in his book Al-Rihla mentions the island’s fertile gardens. Ibn Battuta’s impressions of Bahrain included comment on the bountiful harvest of pomegranates, providing an opportunity to highlight Bahrain’s sustainable food practices over four millennia, a fact that Bahrainis proudly recognize as an important part of their national heritage.

The Pearl Road Project will highlight, not only the country’s rich pearling history and dedication to carefully harvesting its seas, but also the country’s determination to protect its valuable marine environment.

Celebrating the Bicentenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi (1813 - 2013) and the Year of Italian Culture in the United States, “Waiting for Verdi” arrives in Chicago.

Sunday, April 21 at 4 p.m., in the Regents Hall of the Loyola University Museum of Art, the Requiem Mass by Giuseppe Verdi will be performed, arranged for piano and four voices by Angela Montemurro.

Piano: Elena Rizzo and Gesualdo Coggi

Soprano: Maria Teresa Leva

Mezzo Soprano: Martina Belli

Tenor: Jing Kou

Bass: Emanuele cordaro

Download the program

China Vanke Co. Ltd, signed today, at the headquarters of Expo 2015 Company, the participation contract at Expo Milano 2015, confirming to be the first Corporate Participant at the Italian Universal Exhibition.

Changfeng Ding - Executive Vice President of China Vanke Co. LTD. - and Giuseppe Sala - CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A - signed the document that formally confirms the company's participation at the Universal Exhibition in Milan; the company succeeded in gaining the 959mq NE1 lot, located in the corporate area of ​​the Expo Site.

The giant of the real estate industry, which provides over 100,000 housing units, will build a pavilion which will recreate the "Shitang" concept space, a traditional social structure, which keeps on living in the contemporary Chinese society in various forms and that represents the opportunity to socialize in a healthy and calm atmosphere.

Vanke’s idea is to recreate at Expo Milano 2015 a real Shitang, to show the world a snapshot of life in contemporary China, providing dining spaces where to eat in a healthy and affordable way, where to share opinions and projects, thus helping to improve the social fabric of the city. In this way, the company will share with all visitors, both real and virtual, a typical aspect of Chinese culture, providing a physical space, in which it will be possible to know and experience Shitang universe.

The Vanke’s pavillon will be designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind New York and Libeskind Architettura Milan.

China Vanke Co. Ltd participation in Expo Milano 2015 will contribute to the development of the "China Special Project” of Expo Milano 2015", the strategic project of partnership and economic development between Italy and China aimed at strengthening the already fruitful cooperation that binds the two Countries.

The project involves five strategic areas: the first, based on economic and touristic mold, aims at attracting to the Universal Exhibition in Italy a million Chinese visitors. The second and third concern the close cooperation between Chinese Provinces and Italian Regions and the potential of Expo Milano 2015 as a platform to strengthen exchanges and to promote business opportunities thanks also to the participation of the Chinese private sector. The other areas concern the promotion of of Expo Milano 2015 and of the Chinese participation in China and Italy, through a close cooperation between the two Countries which will involve Vanke Company in co-promotion and communication activities and in special roadshows in major Chinese Provinces.

“China confirms to be a very relevant Country for Expo Milano 2015 – said Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A – and signing today with China Vanke Co. LTD shows how Chinese Companies are ready to seize the many opportunities offered by the Italian Universal Exhibition. We are particularly excited about the project of this great company, that has deeply understood the values ​​of Expo, the importance of sharing its Country own traditions and the even emotional involvement of visitors.”.

The adhesion of Mexico brings to 126 the number of Official Participants to Expo Milano 2015. To give the announcement on April 12th, the Commissioner-General Roberto Formigoni on twitter: “Welcome Mexico to #Expo 2015! There are 126 of us. Expo is on the move, no one can stop it”.

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just received the verbal note in which the Government of Mexico City confirms its participation in the “event that attaches the utmost importance in view of its importance and relevance to the international community.”

With Mexico one of the most important countries of the world, central to the political and economic dynamics of the American continent, joins the event. “I am particularly pleased with this adhesion - stated the CEO of the Expo 2015 Company Giuseppe Sala -: the list of Major Countries still missing from the Italian edition of 2015 is getting smaller. Today, stronger than before, we can say out loud the world will be in Milan, will be in Italy, for the World Expo”. Recent also the adhesions of Brazil and the Central African Republic. With the confirmation of Brasilia, said the CEO Sala, "we can count on the commitment, cooperation and initiative of all the BRIC Countries, to give a great assistance in the development of thematic tours of the exhibition site”.

Until now joined the Expo Milano 2015 Switzerland, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Romania, San Marino, Egypt, Peru, Russia, Uruguay, Togo, Germany, Guatemala, Cambodia, Honduras, Mauritania, Slovenia, Monaco, Uzbekistan, Spain, Albania, Israel, Kuwait, Colombia , Armenia, ONU, Syria, Iran, Gabon, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Mongolia, India, Georgia, Bolivia, Saint Lucia, Latvia, Tunisia, Argentina, Lithuania, Congo Brazzaville, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Mali, Algeria, Dominica, Belgium, Republic of Palau, Micronesia, Ecuador, China, Chile, United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Moldova, Nepal, Qatar, Thailand, Lebanon, Slovakia, Tajikistan, France, Guinea Bissau, Oman, Korea South, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, Uganda, Japan, Palestine, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Costa Rica, Kenya, Cameroon, Guinea Conakry, Brunei, Panama, Zambia, Benin, Yemen, CERN, Congo Kinshasa, Hungary, Ghana, Gambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Ivory Coast, Angola, Iraq, Malaysia, Vatican City, Afghanistan, Estonia, Myanmar, Cuba , El Salvador, Paraguay, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, the Sovereign Order of Malta, Laos, Niger, Croatia, Jordan, Serbia, European Commission, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Brazil, Central African Republic and Mexico.

The application that will enhance citizens and tourists to move inside the Expo 2015 and the city of Milan using a number of groundbreaking technologies such as Augmented Reality and Visual Search. Information, services and entertainment on participating nations, on the city and all of the players involved. A new model for the city of the future combining advanced devices, interactivity and sustainability.

Fiat S.p.A., through its automobile brands, and Fiat Industrial, with equipment from CNH (Case New Holland Agriculture), will be the Global Partners of Expo Milano 2015. Fiat Chairman John Elkann, Fiat Industrial Chairman and Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne, and the CEO of the Expo 2015 Company Giuseppe Sala initialed a partnership memorandum today in Turin.

Participating at the event were President of the Region of Piedmont, Roberto Cota, Mayor of Turin, Piero Fassino, President of the Region of Lombardy, Roberto Maroni, Mayor of Milan, Giuliano Pisapia, President of the Province of Turin, Antonio Saitta, President of Expo 2015, Diana Bracco.

From 2013 until the end of the Expo, Fiat-Chrysler will provide a fleet of sustainable cars that will be used for transport inside the Expo area, as well as courtesy cars for guest delegations arriving from all over the world. The first model to be used by the organization will be the 500L, both CNG and diesel. Other models to be launched prior to the Expo’s opening will also subsequently be made available.

The partnership agreement also includes a cash contribution and investment in communication which provides for the Expo logo to appear on all advertisements for Fiat Group Automobiles brands. In addition, the Group will have the opportunity to utilize the city of Milan and the Expo as the location for launch events for new models. Several historic Alfa Romeo cars will also be made available for display at certain events linked to the Expo.

Fiat Industrial, through the Case New Holland agricultural brands, will participate with a 1,600 square meter pavilion, designed and built according to energy-saving and sustainable architectural guidelines. In line with the Expo’s theme of “Feeding the planet, Energy for life” and its Clean Energy Leader strategy, Case New Holland will present visitors with its concept of the sustainable farm of today and tomorrow.

Using the layout of a typical medium-sized mixed farm as a basis, a tour will be created that follows two parallel and recurring cycles: agricultural production from tillage to harvest, and the cycle of the seasons. Each stage will feature a presentation of Case New Holland products and innovative technologies designed to reconcile production efficiency with a rational and sustainable use of resources.

For Fiat Industrial, the partnership includes a possible second step involvement for the Iveco brand. Iveco has already provided two vehicles for the “Ready to Cloud” event, part of the EXPOVISIONS project, jointly run by Expo 2015 and Telecom Italia at Design Week in Milan.

This afternoon, during the 47th edition of Vinitaly, an important agreement protocol that will unite VeronaFiere and Expo 2015 in promoting and enhancing the excellence of Italian wine in the Verona-Milan axis was presented. The partnership will see the two organizations cooperate organizing exhibitions and events both before and during the Universal Exhibition to be held in Milan, from 1st May to 31st October 2015.

With today's announcement begins a promotion and cooperation path which will culminate in 2015 with the creation of “OperaWineExpo”, the most important wine event in the Expo Milano 2015 calendar.

Giuseppe Sala, CEO of the Expo 2015 Company, said: “The core of Expo Milano 2015 is the theme 'Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life ': a universal topic which has is ideal homeland in Italy, where the variety of products and the geographical and cultural wealth is closely linked to culinary traditions. Food and wine are the founding elements of our history and the highest expression of some of the messages of Expo Milano 2015: universality, inclusiveness and conviviality. The agreement provides a platform for spreading and sharing our common features to the international audience of Vinitaly and the 20 million visitors who will come and see the Universal Exhibition in Milan”.

Ettore Riello, President of VeronaFiere, said: “The agreement, which we are defining in detail, is founded on the basis of two fundamental factors: on one side the natural affinity between the Expo 2015 theme 'Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life' and the very strong vocation of VeronaFiere in the agricultural sector, which sees in Vinitaly one of the greatest expressions; on the other side, the deep conviction and knowledge of both parties that the World Expo is a great opportunity for the whole country, and every possible opportunity to promote and enhance it must be supported. Therefore, we must create synergies. In Expo 2015 we met very sensitive and proactive interlocutors in this regard, with great vision and managing ability, and we believe this represents a great value to the realization of an event of national interest such as this”.

Giovanni Mantovani, General Director of VeronaFiere, said: “This project will enhance not only the territory of Lombardy and Veneto, but the whole 'Made in Italy' in the context of the most important exhibition in the world, which we all have the duty to support. Veronafiere is an effective platform for international distribution and this agreement will see us involved in promoting everywhere this event, which will focus on Italy the world’s attention”.

By this agreement, VeronaFiere and the Expo 2015 Company will work together to define a detailed plan of promotion, starting with the 2014 edition of Vinitaly and OperaWine, then growing in visibility with the approaching of Expo Milano 2015. During the six-month of the World Expo the collaboration will culminate with the roadshow “OperaWineExpo”.

First the event will take place in Verona, from June 14th to September 6th, in the form of a permanent exhibition at the Palazzo della Gran Guardia. It will be set during the opera season at the Arena, to emphasize once more the deep link between wine and culture.

A rich calendar of permanent exhibitions and rotating thematic areas, tasting, show cooking and training programs on wine will animate “OperaWine Expo”, which promises to be a must-see event for all lovers of wine and, in a moment of highest tourists’ flow in Verona, it will be an important driving force for the Universal Exhibition.

The agreement protocol also requires to move “OperaWineExpo” to the capital of Lombardy in autumn, to close the calendar of Expo Milano 2015 with a Grand Tasting, attended by the best Italian wine producers and distinguished international guests. Another important element of quality to enrich the “Made in Italy” offer for the visitors of the Expo in Milan.

Expo 2015 and Telecom Italia, in collaboration with the monthly magazine Domus, launch “Digital Ideas for Expo City 2015”, the contest addressed to designers, with the aim of identifying innovative solutions, based on new digital technologies for urban and domestic contexts, able to positively affect the territory and people’s lifestyle.

The three best selected projects could be developed in the Digital Smart City of Expo Milano 2015, a digitalized and sustainable area which Telecom Italia, as Global Service Partner of the World Expo, will contribute to realize.

The contest was presented today during the second stage of Expovisions, a series of events organized by Expo 2015 and Telecom Italia which outlines the approaching to the 2015 event and wants to foster the elaboration and the proposal of ideas and suggestions to improve the quality of life, also through the participation of culture and technological innovation personalities. The event “Digital for Life. Solutions for a smarter world”, which took place at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, was attended by the participation of Giuseppe  Sala, CEO of Expo 2015, Marco Patuano, CEO of Telecom Italia, Joseph Grima, Domus Director, Dan Hill, CEO of Fabrica and Italo Rota, architect of international reputation from Studio Italo Rota & Partners.

The project “Digital Ideas for Expo City 2015” aims at involving students, architects and designers in founding new ideas for using new digital technologies to be applied in urban and domestic areas, in order to transform the city’s life in a smarter, more efficient and more sustainable way. In particular, the proposals would consider at least the use of one technological component developed by Telecom Italia: the solution of Cloud Computing of Nuvola Italiana/Italian Cloud (the complex of computer resources now available with the broadband connectivity web) and the NFC (Near Field Communication), the short-range radiofrequency technology which allows the information to be shared among close devices.

The proposals would be referred to these sectors: Smart City and its possible use in the context of the Digital Islands, multi-services areas within the urban fabric, conceived as “open boxes” for App and innovative technologic services (from users’ recharging to daily payments through mobile devices and touristic information services); Mobile Application, the set of mobile applications developed for Expo 2015 which will permit an involving and total enjoyment of the event for virtual and real visitors; Digital Home & Office + Smart School, the digital services for houses and buildings monitoring and automatic management, both in a private and in a professional environment, and for computer solutions for the school system.

The proposals must be submitted on the website www.domusweb.it until the 30th August, 2013 and will be selected by a high qualified jury, composed by Nicola di Battista (architect and professor of Architectural Planning at the University of Cagliari), Joseph Grima (Domus Director), Marco Patuano (CEO Telecom Italia), Carlo Ratti (MIT Professor), Franco Regis (Deputy President Energy Purchase & Management, Telecom Italia), Italo Rota (architect, Studio Italo Rota & Partners), Giuseppe Sala (CEO Expo 2015). 

“To rethink the city starting from our houses, the work environment, the urban areas where we daily live or where we would like to live, through the use of new technologies: this is the new challenge we launch today to enrich the roadmap of the project Digital Smart City for Expo 2015”, declared Marco Patuano, CEO of Telecom Italia. “We want to share this opportunity of development for the Country and to contribute to the blossom of a new culture, that will be grounded on the important role of the technological innovation as a key element of a smarter and more sustainable world. For this reason, we address ourselves to the best young foreign and Italian talents, offering them a concrete opportunity to become the protagonists of the creation of the city of the future, thanks to their ideas”.

“Expo Milano 2015 needs young and innovative ideas, in order to become a real Smart City of the future, a reference model to be applied in different urban contexts”, explained Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A.. “To reach this objective, we need an original, innovative and smart approach: the way young people look at the world. With the project Digital Smart City for Expo 2015, we ask for the development of technological proposals and applications, which intend to improve our daily lifestyle, the places we usually attend for work, leisure or personal interest. The World Expo offers the most brilliant and resourceful brains a unique lab to test and showcase themselves”.

Today the Sultanate of Oman signed the participation contract of Expo Milano 2015, the next Universal Exposition, to be held in Milan, Italy, from May 1st to October 31st 2015, and which will focus on the theme “Feeding the planet, energy for life”.

Oman has reserved a 2,790 square metre space and its pavilion will be built in a strategic position within the exhibition site, in front of one of the main entrances of the Expo venue. The contract, which defines Oman’s commitment at the Universal Exposition, was signed by the Commissioner General of the Oman Pavilion, H.E. Mohsin Al Balushi, and by the CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A., Giuseppe Sala. With this signature, Expo Milano 2015 has now signed 36 contracts, out of a total of 125 countries which have so far confirmed their participation.

The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Ambassador Said Nasser Mansoor AL-Sinawi AL-Harthy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Italy, and by Roberto Formigoni, Commissioner General of Expo Milano 2015. The ceremony was preceded by a presentation regarding Oman’s interpretation of the Expo core theme “The Sultanate of Oman: Heritage in Harvest. Harnessing the Sun, Sand & Sea”.

The management and distribution of hydrological resources is a top priority in a water-scarce country. The Pavilion will be an opportunity to show the world Oman’s unique heritage, the "sustainable harvest" of the earth and of the sea, thus revealing a millennium of practices and traditions. Indeed, the Sultanate of Oman has a unique history in the sustainable management of its scarce water resources in a particularly challenging climatic area. This is thanks to its ancient and complex irrigation system, the falaj, a system of canals which has provided the Country with a reliable supply of water for centuries. Oman is also one of the forerunners in the development of artificial reefs which provide an undersea garden of biodiversity both for fishing and aquaculture.

"Expo Milano 2015 is a global event which is eagerly awaited by the entire world” said Mohsin Al Balushi, Commissioner General of Oman’s Pavilion. “The distinguishing element of this Expo is the theme, Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, a theme which concerns all the inhabitants of the world. Moreover, Expo Milano 2015 will be hosted by Italy, a nation known for its hospitality, and with whom Oman has a deep rooted friendly relationship. We really look forward to participating in this important exhibition".

"The fascinating experience of the Sultanate of Oman, in the field of sustainable agriculture in arid areas, will represent a very interesting variation on the development of the theme Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life” said Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A. “Each country is asked to share its knowledge in order to help solve the food and environmental emergencies which are afflicting the planet. It will be very interesting to visit Oman’s pavilion in which its commitment to the sustainable use of the sun, the sand and the sea, using both modern and ancient techniques, will be displayed”.

Expo Gate is the winning project of the design competition for the Infopoint of Expo Milano 2015. To announce the winner's name, this afternoon at the Triennale in Milan, the mayor and Special Commissioner for Expo Milano 2015 Giuliano Pisapia, the president of the Triennale Claudio De Albertis and the CEO of the Expo 2015 Company Giuseppe Sala.

Appreciated for the harmony with which joins the monumental system of the Sforza Castle, Expo Gate, proposed by Scandurrastudio, will be the first “information center” of the Milan World Expo, access door to the opportunities and challenges posed by the theme “Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life”.

The Infopoint will be located in Largo Cairoli (via Beltrami), and it will be a meeting point and a place where hold happenings and find news on this important international event.

There were 25 architectural firms who participated at the contest for designing the temporary pavilion of the Infopoint 2015, open by Triennale Milano on behalf of the Expo 2015 Company. The proposals were evaluated by a jury composed by Claudio De Albertis, President of the Triennale di Milano, Alberto Artioli, Superintendent of the Architectural Heritage and Landscape, Ferruccio de Bortoli, director of the Corriere della Sera, Elio Fiorucci, Designer, Vittorio Gregotti, Architect Daniela Volpi, President Order of Architects of Milan, and Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 Company.

Jury statement

Light and transparent, the pavilions are inserted into the urban fabric in a discreet way transmitting a high symbolic value, respecting the visual telescope of Castello Sforzesco-Cordusio and rearranging public space in a vital way.

The construction system proposed , based on elementary technologies, is relatively simple and it is interesting both form the side of sustainability, economy and the speed of its implementation.

A formal and structural invention, a celebratory and representative artwork, because, as Gio Ponti wrote “The representativity must be alive, full of imagination, recognizable in the component parts of architecture. The representativity characterizes the construction carrying it with wisdom to the universal understanding, to that communication which is one of the terms of the existence of the art”.

fective, the communication skills of the device information are also evaluated.

Extract from the project report by Scandurrastudio

It is a place where counting the days before the opening of the World Expo is an opportunity to talk about growth and evolution. The calendar of events, the periodic change of space and facilities prelude to the vitality of Expo 2015.

The project proposes a plate open, characterized by a central square and two pavilions “Toolgates” to the side. A gateway to the Expo. Expo announces itself to the world, with a device that builds space and places, transformable and adaptable without it losing its strong identity.

The outside structures are designed to accommodate different types of communication, images, banners, flags, bright graphics can transform themselves periodically or build a temporality establishing differently over time. This device will be constantly changing, the functions inside the pavilions will be set giving a hierarchy to the spaces. At the center of the buildings, an empty space will be the place of more direct information. The work is intended to confirm the urban nineteenth century layout and recall in a clear manner the punctiform system of small monumental architecture starting around the Castle and the Sempione Park, which has always had an exhibiting vocation. The work aims to confirm the axial system of public spaces, that goes from the Cathedral through the passage between the Loggia dei Mercanti and the Palazzo della Ragione and then along Via Dante and leads to the Arco della Pace, in the path of the main road of the Sempione. A gateway to the Expo which is also is a physical and information place. The flexibility and transparency of the work identifies the possibility of new and more direct communications systems and equipment, two large sails screen will support continuous transmission of information in real time, the void at the center, the square supported by the buildings’ exterior and the open plan makes extremely adaptable the utilization of the proposed spaces. The activities hosted inside the pavilions are divided from the public space outside by windows which leave them visible.

A great communication machine, constantly in movement, which will be always lit by work and by images and information.

The work will be carried out according to the principles of lightness, transparency, modularity, features leading to pursue a language of large reticulated and aerial volumes. An aesthetic of lightness invoking Eiffel’s structures and the subsequent research on the expressiveness of the lightness not only from the forms but also in terms of environmental impact.

Expo Milano 2015 reaches the threshold of 125 Official Participants. Just a few days after Brazil, the Central African Republic has confirmed its presence at the World Expo through an official note sent to the Italian Embassy.

It reinforces the large representation of African Countries that will be present at the World Expo, attracted by the theme “Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life” which will bring in the global debate the crucial issues for the humanity’s future: from food safety to sustainable development, from the fight against hunger in the world to how to improve the quality of people's lives.

Until now joined the Expo Milano 2015 Switzerland, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Romania, San Marino, Egypt, Peru, Russia, Uruguay, Togo, Germany, Guatemala, Cambodia, Honduras, Mauritania, Slovenia, Monaco, Uzbekistan, Spain, Albania, Israel, Kuwait, Colombia , Armenia, ONU, Syria, Iran, Gabon, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Mongolia, India, Georgia, Bolivia, Saint Lucia, Latvia, Tunisia, Argentina, Lithuania, Congo Brazzaville, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Mali, Algeria, Dominica, Belgium, Republic of Palau, Micronesia, Ecuador, China, Chile, United Arab Emirates, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Moldova, Nepal, Qatar, Thailand, Lebanon, Slovakia, Tajikistan, France, Guinea Bissau, Oman, Korea South, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Haiti, Uganda, Japan, Palestine, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Costa Rica, Kenya, Cameroon, Guinea Conakry, Brunei, Panama, Zambia, Benin, Yemen, CERN, Congo Kinshasa, Hungary, Ghana, Gambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Ivory Coast, Angola, Iraq, Malaysia, Vatican City, Afghanistan, Estonia, Myanmar, Cuba , El Salvador, Paraguay, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, the Sovereign Order of Malta, Laos, Niger, Croatia, Jordan, Serbia, European Commission, Bahrain, Czech Republic, Brazil and Central African Republic.

Even the Federative Republic of Brazil has answered the call of Expo Milano 2015: the Country will be at the World Expo. This afternoon the name of the last State to have joined has been announced by a satisfied Mario Monti: “I just personally received the official communication from President Dilma Rousseff, and I want to thank her for this important decision, which revives the old and deep friendship between Italy and Brazil”.

With the confirmation of Brazil, less than 777 days from the opening, Expo Milano 2015 has reached the 124 Official Participants and moves closer to the goal of 130 countries.

“The theme of Expo 2015, 'Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life', - Monti added - brings at the center of the international attention the most important issue of our time: how to ensure proper and safe access to food for an increasing large and demanding population”.

The Italian Council President wished to emphasize how the World Expos have always been an opportunity to give impulse to important projects: “Even more so this will happen in the next edition, considered the theme and the strong Italian and international commitment already in place. The adhesion of Brazil, which leads to 124 countries already confirmed, brings to the Expo a major player on the international stage. As the host Country, Italy is pleased”.

That of Brazil was one of the most awaited confirmations: therefore, it is a result of great importance, as explained by the CEO of Expo 2015 Company Giuseppe Sala: “From today we can count on the cooperation and initiative of all the BRIC countries, for their economic growth considered the leaders on the international scene in the coming years - he said -. Within this context, Brazil is a strategic country for us. In addition to being one of the main representatives of the rich agricultural and food culture and tradition in Latin America, Brazil will be of great help and support in the development of the thematic routes in the exhibition site”.

The CEO Sala is sure “the Brazilian experience in the coffee and cocoa cultivation, for example, will lead to new interpretations on the theme 'Feeding the Planet. Energy for Life' and will give life to new and productive synergies with those Countries taking part in the dedicated Clusters”. For the company organizing the most important international event Italy will host in the coming years, the ok given by Brasilia is a crucial piece in the realization of its project: “A little less than 800 days from 1st May 2015, today we cut with satisfaction the finish line of the 124 official adhesions. A major achievement - has pointed out Sala - which is a measure of how Expo Milano 2015 and Italy represent for all countries in the world an opportunity for growth and development, an appointment not to be missed, an investment that will bring great benefits in the future. The goal of 130 Countries is getting closer and within reach. I am confident that working together with the Government and other institutions we can overcome it, as demonstrated by today news, the result of the incessant and fruitful work of our diplomacy”.

Pleased with the news the Commissioner-General of Expo Milano 2015 Roberto Formigoni said on Twitter: “Brazil joins Expo. A great country we have long courted. We are at 124”.

This morning the State of Israel signed the participation contract of Expo 2015 and secured itself a strategic position within the exhibition site. The pavilion will be built at the intersection of the Cardo and Decumanus, an area adjacent to the Italian Pavilion. The contract, which defines Israel’s commitment at the Universal Exposition in Milan, was signed by the Commissioner General of the Israeli Pavilion, Elazar Cohen, and by Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A.

With the signature of Israel, Expo Milano 2015 has now signed 35 contracts out of a total of 123 countries which have so far confirmed their participation.

The ceremony, which was attended by the Commissioner General of Expo Milano 2015, Roberto Formigoni, was preceded by a panel discussion regarding scientific research and innovation applied to agriculture in arid areas, a field in which Israel is an International reference point. The meeting was attended Naor Gilon, Ambassador of the State of Israel, by Gideon Meir, Director General for Public Diplomacy, and by Daniel Chamovitz, Director of the "Manna Center" for plant Biosciences at the University of Tel Aviv. The President of the Italian Rabbinical Assembly, Rav Elijah E. Richetti, and Joseph Alonzo, President of the Council for Research and Experimentation in Agriculture, attended the ceremony as representatives of Italy.

Israel is a country in which most of the territory is arid and thus it is a pioneer in the field of agriculture and the management of waste water, a topic which is so crucial to the fight against desertification. In its 2,370 square meter pavillion, Israel will showcase its fundamental contribution to the development of the theme "Feeding the Planet: Energy for life”.

Israel’s excellence in this sector is centered on the use of innovative and technologically advanced solutions in the fields of irrigation and water management, farming in barren areas, intensive greenhouse cultivation, research and development of new varieties of seeds and organic and eco-friendly agriculture.

Israel has achieved remarkable success in fighting desertification thanks to its land reclamation policies and ambitious irrigation systems which have made previously barren areas fertile. An example of this is the Kinneret-Negev aqueduct: a 130 kilometer long system of pipes, pumps and canals that carries water from the Lake Tiberias, in the north of Israel, to the arid south.

“In Milan’s Expo, agriculture will have a fundamental role” said Roberto Formigoni, General Commissioner of Expo Milano 2015. “That is why Israel’s participation is so important particularly in the field of agricultural research. Israel’s investment in the Expo project is a sure guarantee of success. Israel is a pioneer in all these fields, particularly in that of food production techniques in extreme conditions and in the best practices that it has developed. We are therefore delighted that Israel has underwritten the agreement, a deed which further reinforces the well-established friendship at all levels between our two countries”.

"We believe that Israel will make a significant contribution to the theme of Expo Milano 2015” said Elazar Cohen, Commissioner General of the Israeli Pavilion. Our objective is to show visitors the efforts that Israel has put in place in order to 'feed the world' and to showcase the unique spirit of our country in terms of innovation, as well as its culture and ancient tradition”.

"The outstanding innovative expertise of Israel, in the field of technology for agriculture in arid areas, undoubtedly represents a huge added value for the development of the theme 'Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life' ” said Giuseppe Sala, CEO of Expo 2015 S.p.A. “Today's signature seals a partnership that will provide a continuous and fruitful dialogue between all the protagonists of Expo Milano 2015. Each country is asked to share its knowledge and excellence in order to help solve the food and environmental emergencies which are afflicting the planet”.

“Nutrition and Religious Traditions”. The special connection between food and spirituality will be the protagonist in the next appointment with “Convivio. A Tavola tra cibo e sapere” (Convivio. Food and culture on table), held on Monday, March 11th, at 20.30. Giovanni Filoramo, professor of History of Christianity at the University of Turin, Filoramo will lead the attention of the audience at the Piccolo Teatro Grassi to the discovery of the importance and the role that the different confessions ascribe to food.

The sharing of bread and the fasting, the ban of certain foods and the banquets celebrating the holidays. In many Religions, the consumption of food takes on a deeper meaning than just feeding the body. Accompanied by the readings of Leonardo de Colle, between rules on the preparation of dishes and rituals, Filoramo will tell how the food - a gift from the gods - may become a mean of redemption and communication with the divine world.

The journey through the many nuances which acquires the culture when he meets the nutrition, the central theme of “Convivio”, continues with enthusiasm in 2013 with high level speakers, in view of the World Expo in Milan. On April 8th, Massimo Montanari, professor of Medieval History at the University of Bologna, will tell what happened “When We Were Hungry”.

To participate to the meetings of "Convivio", organized by the Corriere della Sera Foundation, along with Expo 2015 Company, reservations are required by sending an email to rsvp@fondazionecorriere.it or by calling the number +39 02.87387707.