Today Milan Expo 2015 is being presented by the Italian diplomatic corps in 180 different diplomatic posts with 200 events around the world to celebrate the Italian national holiday Republic Day.
Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini made the announcement at a press conference in Milan with Expo Commissioner Giuseppe Sala. Mogherini said the idea for using Italy’s seats of representation came from Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. “We have decided to dedicate Republic Day – using the simple celebrations in our embassies and consulates – to present Expo,” Mogherini said regarding festivities planned for Republic Day, when Italians honour the anniversary of the historic national vote on June 2, 1946 to abolish monarchy in favour of a republic. “Expo will be a great occasion for Italy to contribute to the global debate on sustainable development,” Mogherini added.
The Universal Exposition, which takes place next year from May 31 to October 31, is themed “Feeding the planet. Energy for life”, tackling issues such as food security, hunger, nutrition, and promoting environmentally, socially, economically sustainable global food production practices.
Italy is fanning political figures abroad to speak at the Republic Day presentations. Mogherini is headed to Vienna, while Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin and Agriculture Minister Maurizio Martina will talk in Washington D.C. and Berlin, respectively.
Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia will visit Abu Dhabi, while Lombardy President Roberto Maroni will go to Tokyo. “International adhesions in Expo are greater than expected when the project began. Even if there were fewer than those who confirmed, it would be an extremely large success. There is also interesting movement of new countries that could confirm,” Mogherini said.
