Write down
I am an Arab
I am a name without a title
Patient, in a country
My roots sink deep before the birth of time
And before the beginning of the ages,
Before the time of Cypress and olives
Before the beginnings of grass,
My father belonged to the family of the plough
My grandfather was a farmer, without a pedigree
He taught me the grandeur of the sun
Before reading books
My house is a hut
Made of reed and stalk
Are you satisfied with my rank?
I am a name without a title!
Mahmoud Darwish, Palestinian poet
The State of Palestine has confirmed its presence in Expo Milano 2015, which is the universal exhibition that Milan, Italy, will host from May 1 to October 31, 2015. The Italian Prime Minister Mr. Mario Monti declared: “I am very happy and honored for having received the confirmation of official participation at Expo Milan 2015 from the President of the Palestine National Authority Abu Mazen”; then he added, “The presence of Palestine will give the event a new meaning.”
Historically, the first world Expo was held in London in 1851. At that time 25 countries were represented and there were over 6 million visitors. This year’s Expo is expected to have more than 148 participating countries, and Milan expects to welcome over 20 million visitors. During the six-month exhibition period, the 1.1 million square meters of exhibition area will be a global showcase with the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.” Countries will share elements of sustainable progress by ways of innovation in technology and science connected to the field of food, in order to contrast food problems that still affect several areas of the world.
Palestine has a rich history and culture that have been intertwined over the years with its abundant agricultural base that is represented by the relationship between the Palestinians and their olive tree. The State of Palestine will participate in the exhibition with the intent of showing its beautiful capital Al-Quds – the holy city of Jerusalem – one of holiest locations for the monotheistic faiths; and the richness of its culture, with places such as Jericho, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, where culture, history, and society combined to produce a local cuisine that projects the goodness and productivity of the land, which can be detected in the redness of Palestinian cheeks and Palestinian soil.
♦ Palestine’s participation will be under the logo: Palestine: Old As the Olive Tree, Young As the Olive Fruit.
Palestine is open for business; it is ready to receive tourists and to interact fully with other peoples and nations. As Palestinians, we have a good story to tell – the story that will be shared with visitors of Expo 2015 through the olive tree, which is a significant part of Palestinian food, heritage, and economy.
Expo is a platform that will give Palestine the opportunity to educate the public, share innovation, promote progress, and foster cooperation. Palestine will also contribute to this multifaceted event where extraordinary exhibitions, diplomatic encounters, business meetings, public debates, and live shows take place at the same time.
Expos are truly unique events, from various perspectives. From the international community’s perspective, Expo Milan is a dialogue platform for progress and cooperation. For the general public, it is an educational and entertaining experience. For the host country, it is a tool for nation branding and development. For the participants, Expo allows international outreach and economic opportunities.
Higher Steering Committee
• Ministry of National Economy
• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Agriculture
• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Culture
• Palestine Trade Centre – PalTrade
• The Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce,
Industry and Agriculture
• Palestinian Federation of Industries
• Palestinian Businessmen Association
• Business Women Forum
• Arab Hotel Association
