Switzerland has officially confirmed its participation in Expo 2020, revealing plans to build an AED57 million ($15.5m) pavilion at the event.

The announcement came following a meeting between Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, and Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland to the UAE. 

“We are delighted that the Swiss government has committed to participate, over four years ahead of the start of the Expo. The decision is an important reflection of the international role played by the UAE, and the significance of Expo 2020,” Sheikh Ahmed said. 

In an official statement, the Swiss Federal Council said that Switzerland’s presence at the Expo would be a chance for the country to showcase its research capacity and innovation in the fields of renewable energy, mobility and the environment. 

Switzerland, which is a founding member of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), has participated in the majority of World Expos held to date. 

“I am delighted to welcome Switzerland as the first country participating in the event. We look forward to Switzerland’s participation in Expo 2020, as a partner in bringing people together from across the globe, to share their ideas and together create a common ambition for the next fifty years of human progress,” said Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai. 

Dubai will host the next World Expo between October 2020 and April 2021. The mega-event is expected to bring together more than 180 nations and an international audience of 25 million visitors.