RCRC Shares Kingdom’s World Expo Vision with UNESCO World Heritage Committee

The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
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RCRC Shares Kingdom’s World Expo Vision with UNESCO World Heritage Committee

The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)
The logo of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC)

Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has held a reception for members of the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee and briefed them on the Kingdom’s bid to host World Expo 2030 in the capital Riyadh.

“Riyadh Expo 2030 is part of the Kingdom’s endeavor to enable all countries to make an impact on the international scale, with the aim of creating a bright future for the planet under the theme ‘Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow’,” said Eng. Abdulaziz Alghannam, the Technical Director of the Riyadh Expo 2030 bid, at the reception on Friday.

“The three sub-themes of Riyadh Expo 2030 represent the Kingdom’s vision to present the most impactful World Expo ever, collaborating for a better future, where ‘Prosperity for All’ seeks to achieve a prosperous and a peaceful planet in which science and innovation are accessible to all. Also, ‘Climate Action’ promotes creative solutions to climate change by uniting international efforts, and ‘A Different Tomorrow’ seeks to harness science, innovations, and technologies to develop new tools for individuals and societies,” he said.

Alghannam added: “Inspired by Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh Expo 2030 pays great attention to the Kingdom’s civilization, rich heritage, ancient traditions, and cultural treasures, which we would be proud to showcase to the Riyadh Expo 2030 visitors through immersive experiences.”

He stressed that the capital city is fully prepared to host this international exhibition and present the most impactful and unprecedented edition in the history of World Expo.

The members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee were briefed about the Kingdom's ambitious goals for Riyadh Expo 2030 and the major ongoing development projects which will be ready by 2030.

They were also briefed on Riyadh Expo 2030’s sustainability plans, including clean energy, high standards of resource efficiencies and detailed strategies to enhance and conserve biodiversity, eliminate food wastage, and green waste management and recycling.

The reception by RCRC was held on the sidelines of the Kingdom’s hosting of the meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh from September 10 to 25, in its capacity as the current chair of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.



Fire Damages a 19th Century District Town Hall in Paris, Leaving the Bell Tower at Risk of Collapse

This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)
This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)
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Fire Damages a 19th Century District Town Hall in Paris, Leaving the Bell Tower at Risk of Collapse

This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)
This photo provided by the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) shows the roof and the spire of the Paris 12th district town hall burning early Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 in Paris. (P Millet/BSPP via AP)

Fire engulfed the town hall of Paris’ 12th district early Monday, causing no casualties but severely damaging the bell tower of the 19th century building.

Paris police prefect Laurent Nunez said the fire broke at 3:20 a.m. in the roof of the building. About 150 firefighters battled the flames and the fire was extinguished in the morning, Nunez said, The AP reported.

He warned there was a “risk of collapse” of the upper part of the bell tower. A security area has been set up around the building.

An investigation will seek to determine the causes of the fire, Nunez said.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo praised in a statement the “exceptional intervention” of the Paris fire department and said “all public services for residents have been maintained and will be provided in the 11th district town hall."

The 12th district town hall was built in 1876 with a 36-meter (118-foot) high bell tower on top of its main entrance.