A changing world: Expo 2027 in Belgrade

While Expo 2025 in Osaka, entitled "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", will focus on sustainable development and achieving the 2030 Agenda goals, Expo 2005 in Aichi was all about "Nature's Wisdom" and the need to protect the natural environment. With this in mind, existing forests and ponds were incorporated into the Expo site.

Switzerland presented itself as a traditional yet modern country, recreating a mountain landscape to convey an Alpine atmosphere. The Swiss pavilion included a viewing terrace looking out onto a mountain valley. Alongside the archetypal Swiss landscape, objects from Swiss research, technology and innovation were also featured. 

In 2008, the World Expo was held in the northern Spanish city of Zaragoza under the theme of "Water and Sustainable Development". Texts and images were used to explain Swiss water management practices, including technologies and careful use of the resource. For example, the important role played by reservoirs, hydroelectric power plants and waste water treatment plants in the sustainable use of water was highlighted. Also included was a light animation with water features and clouds.

The World Expo returned to Asia in 2010, when organisers and participants in Shanghai, China, addressed the issues of social mixing, sustainability, security, hygiene and mobility in cities under the motto "Better City, Better Life" The Swiss pavilion featured an IMAX cinema showing the film "The Alps", as well as 3D images linked to sustainable development, environmental protection and public transport. Among the highlights was that quintessentially Swiss means of transport, a chairlift.

The 2012 World Expo was held beside the sea in the coastal city of Yeosu, South Korea. With its theme of 'The Living Ocean and Coast', it focused on preservation of the oceans and climate change. The Swiss pavilion centred on the sub-theme 'The Source. It's in your hands', exploring scientific research into ice and solutions for a healthier and sustainable future. A rock from the Monte Rosa massif and a 4,000-year-old ice core from a Swiss glacier served to illustrate that Switzerland, as well as being a source of water for Europe, is also a source of knowledge about water. 

Back in Europe in 2015, the World Expo addressing modern-day challenges such as food production, healthy eating, population growth, waste prevention and the efficient use of natural resources, under the motto "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life". At the event held in Milan, Italy, Switzerland showcased the diversity and special characteristics of its food sector. Water, salt, coffee and apples were used to draw attention to consumer behaviour and the responsible use of food. 

Efficient use of natural resources remained a hot topic two years later. The 2017 World Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan, focused on the theme of "Future Energy", including the reduction of CO₂ emissions, efficient energy use and energy accessibility. In its "Flower Power" pavilion, Switzerland presented energy efficiency, renewable energy and global water management solutions, and also showcased the Swiss spirit of innovation as well as its expertise in public-private partnerships for research and development. Switzerland received a gold award from the Bureau International des Expositions expert committee for its exploration of the overall theme of "Future Energy". 

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The last time Switzerland attended a World Expo was in 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Under the motto "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", Expo 2020 aimed to bring the world together to catalyse an exchange of new perspectives and inspire action in order to deliver solutions to new challenges. Switzerland's innovation and attractiveness as a business location was showcased with the help of an artist-designed mountain panorama. Visitors were able to wander through the typically Swiss landscape while learning about strengths and opportunities in Swiss education, research, innovation and business. The country's pavilion received a silver medal for architecture and landscape, among other awards.

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