EXPO-2017 is an international exposition scheduled to take place between June 10 and September 10, 2017, in Astana, Kazakhstan.  Its theme is “Future Energy”, and it aims to create a global discussion among countries, nongovernmental organizations, companies and the general public on the crucial question: ‘how do we ensure safe and sustainable access to energy for all while reducing CO₂ emissions?’

The organizers expect some millions of visitors to come to Astana to visit the many pavilions and other exhibits associated with the exposition.  Kazakhstan’s pavilion will have a prestige place to showcase the country’s efforts at developing a Green Economy.  Many other participating countries will use the event to show off their inventions, innovations, and expertise at weaning the world from fossil fuels.

When not at the exhibition grounds, participants and spectators undoubtedly will want additional diversions.  Many will take the time to tour the city of Astana, which has a large number of attractions, but EXPO 2017 has devoted a lot of energy to developing a cultural program in association with the exposition.  In fact, as many as 3,500 cultural events are scheduled to occur during the 93-day life of the exposition.

Details of some of those events can be found at expo2017culture.kz which is now operating and is available in the Kazakh, Russian and English languages.  The website was prepared by the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute which is under the Ministry of Culture and Sport of Kazakhstan.  Events can be searched by type and date.  Tickets can be purchased on the website.  (Be patient with the website – it loads slowly with the Russian version and, if you then select the English version, it will need more time to re-load.)

I see from the website that Placido Domingo will be singing in Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’.  And there will be an exhibition of the ‘Terracotta Army’ from China.

Many of the events are based on the culture and art achievements of ethnically diverse Kazakhstan, but by no means do they dominate the offerings.

Photo:  View of Astana from expo2017culture.kz

oooOOOooo

Book Sales:  Find stories about Kazakhstan from the 1990s and later in my book, West Meets East in Kazakhstan.  It’s available online in softcover or e-book format from AuthorHouse (the publisher), or Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Website:  My blog posts go out on Facebook and often on LinkedIn.  If you’d like to see them again or check for posts you might have missed, go directly to my website: viewkazakhstan.com