The Czech Republic celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Monday with a focus on its technologies and sustainable innovations.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai welcomed Her Excellency Marketa Pekarova Adamova, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of Czech Republic.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan said: “The Czech Republic’s innovatively designed pavilion pays a significant tribute to Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainability subtheme, given that it is powered by solar energy and produces water from air humidity. Visitors are also able to explore advanced technologies developed by Czech universities and companies across various fields.
“The UAE is pleased to share rapidly growing bilateral ties with the Czech Republic and we are keen to strengthen commercial partnerships and broaden the scope of our cooperation in various fields of joint interest, including technology, advanced industries and renewables.”
Her Excellency Marketa Pekarova Adamova said: “You are all welcome to visit the Czech Pavilion at Expo. It is located in the Sustainability [District] and it is showcasing many Czech innovations and technologies ranging from 3D print and nanotechnology all the way to botanics or hydroponic farming. We Czechs are very proud of our centuries-long tradition of high-end innovative manufacturing, a tradition that is actually older than the existence of our republic.
“Even before our independence, in the 19th century, talented Czech individuals would actively participate at Expos in Paris, Chicago or elsewhere… We always believed that this is exactly the way nations should compete with each other: to compare their inventiveness, diligence and creativity. This is exactly what we see here at Expo, which is great.”
A cultural performance was held following the ceremony, during which a narrator introduced each song performed by Martinů Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The ensemble was joined by Slavic dancers, and stilt walkers waved the Czech Republic’s flag in time to the music.
Located in the Sustainability District, the Czech Republic Pavilion ‘conjures’ a blooming garden in the Dubai desert from thin air. Powered by solar energy, the pavilion’s sustainable vapour-harvesting system pulls water from ambient air and uses it to cultivate a verdant oasis. Visitors will see the artful evidence of this system throughout the pavilion in the form of sweeping, swirling pipes, which not only channel water but form fanciful ‘clouds’ that offer shade and shelter. There are displays of Czech glassmaking, exhibits exploring desert cultivation, and authentic regional cuisine.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo 2020’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
