View source for Expo 2017

{{Infobox World's Fair
| box_width = 
| class = Specialized
| category = 3
| image = Bayterek Flowers.jpg
| image_width = 
| caption = Astana
| year = 2017
| name = Expo 2017	
| motto = Future's Energy
| building = 
| area = {{convert|25|ha|acre|abbrev=off}}
| invent = 
| visitors = 
| organized = 
| cnt = 
| org = 
| biz = 
| country = {{KAZ}}
| city = [[Astana]]
| venue = 
| coord = {{Coord|51|05|28.5|N|71|24|46.1|E|format=dms|type:landmark_region:KZ-AST}}
| cand = {{start date|2010|07|1}}
| award = {{start date|2012|11|22}}
| open = {{start date|2017|06|10}} 
| close = {{start date|2017|09|10}}
| prevexpo = [[Expo 2012]]
| prevcity = [[Yeosu]]
| nextexpo = 
| nextcity = 
| suppl = 
| prevsuppl = [[Expo 2015]] 
| prevsupcity = [[Milan]] 
| nextsuppl = [[Expo 2020]] 
| nextsupcity = [[Dubai]] 
| prevunho = [[Expo 2016]] 
| prevunhocity = [[Antalya]]
| nextunho = [[Expo 2019]]
| nextunhocity = [[Beijing]]
| simuni = 
| simspe = 
| simhor = [[Internationale Gartenausstellung 2017]]
| simoth = 
| website = [http://www.expo2017astana.com/en/ Official site] 
}}
'''Expo 2017''' is an [[World's fair|International Exposition]] scheduled to take place between June 10 and September 10, 2017 in [[Astana]], [[Kazakhstan]]. The expo's theme is "Future Energy", and aims to create a global debate between 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 CO<sub>2</sub> emissions?"<ref name="BIEtheme">{{cite web|title=Future energy – solutions for tackling mankind’s greatest challenge|url=http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/expos/upcoming-expos/expo-astana-2017/future-energy-solutions-for-tackling-mankind-s-greatest-challenge|publisher=BIE}}</ref>

==Theme==

The theme chosen for the Expo 2017 is "Future Energy".<ref name=AEF1>{{cite web|title=Expo2017: Future Energy and Impact on our Lives|url=http://blog.astanaforum.org/en/expo-2017-future-energy-and-its-impact-in-our-lives|publisher=Astana Economic Forum}}</ref> The theme is aimed to concentrate on the future of energy, and on innovative and practical energy solutions and their impacts.

The Expo 2017's subtitle is "Solutions for Tackling Humankind’s Greatest Challenge." Therefore, the Expo will showcase future energy solutions tackling social, economic and environmental challenges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vision|url=https://expo2017astana.com/en/energy/zamyisel-proekta|website=expo2017astana.com}}</ref>

==Preparation==

On November 22, 2012, Astana was chosen by the  [[Bureau International des Expositions]] (BIE) as the venue to host Expo 2017. It will be the first time that a major international exhibition of this kind is coming to a country from the former Soviet Union. More than 100 countries and 10 international organizations are expected to participate. Around 2-3 million people are expected to visit the international pavilions from June to September 2017.<ref name=BIE1>{{cite web|title=Expo Astana 2017|url=http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/expos/2013-06-27-13-45-19/expo-astana-2017|publisher=Official Site of the Bureau International des Expositions}}</ref>

25 hectares (62 acres) is planned for the pavilions of Expo 2017. The site has a convenient access to Astana's city center, the international airport and the railway station. The Expo Site is also linked with a network of Kazakhstan's inter-city roads to ensure a quick access from all the country.<ref name=BIE1/> Construction of the pavilions will begin April 2014{{update inline|reason="Should have started, has it? and when?"|date=October 2015}}</ref> with 20 companies from Kazakhstan and 49 companies from around the globe.<ref>http://www.kazinform.kz/eng/article/2595251</ref>

Designs were considered for the grounds of Expo 2017 from architects in the UK, USA, Germany, Austria, Netherlands and China.<ref>{{cite web|author=8/28/13 10:32am 8/28/13 10:32am |url=http://gizmodo.com/a-childrens-treasury-of-insane-designs-for-kazakhstan-1210045249 |title=A Children's Treasury of Insane Designs for Kazakhstan's World Expo |publisher=Gizmodo.com |date=2013-08-27 |accessdate=2014-02-12}}</ref> But the lead design contract was awarded to Chicago-based [[Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture]].<ref name=ASGG>{{cite web|title=AS+GG Wins Competition for Astana World EXPO 2017|url=http://www.archdaily.com/444907/as-gg-wins-competition-for-astana-world-expo-2017|publisher=Arch Daily}}</ref>

On April 24, 2014, the President of Kazakhstan [[Nursultan Nazarbayev]] took part in a capsule-laying ceremony of the Astana Expo 2017 Exhibition Center construction in Astana, which will be located near the Nazarbayev University.<ref name="Expo 2017, April 24, 2014">{{cite web|title=President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev took part in a capsule-laying ceremony of the Astana EXPO-2017 Exhibition center construction.|url=http://tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/nazarbaev-dal-start-stroitelstvu-vyistavochnogo-kompleksa--EXPO-2017-254244/|publisher=http://tengrinews.kz/}}</ref>

Astana submitted its registration bid to the BIE in December 2013,<ref name="bie01">{{cite web|title=Expo 2017 Astana has delivered its recognition dossier|url=http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/future-energy/46-frontpage-expo-themes/expo-astana-2017/254-expo-2017-astana-kazakhstan-bie-expo-international|accessdate=2014-02-12}}</ref> as planned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Astana-to-submit-EXPO-2017-registration-file-in-December-22737/ |title=Astana to submit EXPO-2017 registration file in December. Politics. Tengrinews.kz |publisher=En.tengrinews.kz |date=2013-09-22 |accessdate=2014-02-12}}</ref>

On June 13, 2015, the Chief Executive Officer of Astana Expo 2017 organization committee, Talgat Yermegiyaev, was indicted for corruption. The new CEO is Astana mayor Adilbek Zhaksybekov <ref>[http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Astana-Mayor-appointed-Chairman-of-EXPO-2017-National-260769/ Astana Mayor appointed Chairman of EXPO-2017 National Company instead of Talgat Yermegiayev]</ref>

Kazakhstan's largest airline, [[Air Astana]], was named the "Official Air Carrier of Expo 2017”.<ref>{{cite web|title=Astana Expo 2017 has an official air carrier|url=http://www.eturbonews.com/62679/astana-expo-2017-has-official-air-carrier|website=http://www.eturbonews.com}}</ref>

In preparation for the Expo 2017 the administration of Astana launched several "[[smart city]]" projects. The projects imply introduction of digital technologies in such areas as payment, education and healthcare.<ref>{{cite web|title=Astana Expo 2017 to revitalize Kazakhstan’s energy sector|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20160419-astana-expo-2017-to-revitalize-kazakhstan-s-energy-sector/|website=www.ejinsight.com}}</ref>

The Energy Best Practices Area (eBPA) Pavilion at Expo 2017 will showcase the 17 best energy-generating projects. These projects were selected from 136 submitted from more than 25 countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Energy-Generating Projects Selected for Presentation at EXPO 2017|url=http://astanatimes.com/2016/09/best-energy-generating-projects-selected-for-presentation-at-expo-2017/|website=astanatimes.com}}</ref>

==Construction==

Over 100 companies, including [[Mabetex Group]], [[Zaha Hadid Architects]], [[UNStudio]], [[Snøhetta (company)|Snøhetta]], [[HOK (firm)|HOK]], and [[Coop Himmelb(l)au]], participated in a competition to design the grounds of Expo 2017.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title = Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture Win Expo 2017 Design Competition|url = http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/adrian-smith-gordon-gill-architecture-win-expo-2017-design-competition_o|website = Architect|accessdate = 2015-10-27}}</ref> Chicago firm [[Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture]] (AS+GG) won the competition.<ref name=":0" />

Several construction companies in the Almaty region have been awarded contracts to build the grounds, with a cumulative value of 5 billion [[Kazakhstani tenge|tenge]]. The main contractor [[Sembol Inshaat]] has contracts with Plast Invest Production LLP, Sonik Company LLP, PolimerMetal-T LLP and Alyugal LLP.<ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/predpriyatiya-almatinskoj-oblasti-primut-uchastie-v-stroitelstve-ekspo-2017</ref>

==Participation==
The number of countries that confirmed their participation in Expo 2017 by September 2016 reached 101, which is higher than anticipated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Number of Countries Participating in EXPO-2017 Exceeded the Plan|url=https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2016/sentyabr/number-of-countries-participating-in-expo-2017-exceeded-the-plan|website=expo2017astana.com}}</ref>

U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal announced in November 2016 at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington, D.C. that APCO Worldwide, a global communications consultancy, was selected as the chief organizing partner for the U.S. Pavilion at EXPO 2017. The USA Pavilion in Astana will be organized and operated by a U.S. private-sector company. However, traditionally it is managed solely by the U.S. Department of State.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Government Partners With Businesses to Showcase American Energy Innovation at EXPO 2017|url=http://www.apcoworldwide.com/news/detail/2016/11/16/u.s.-government-partners-with-businesses-to-showcase-american-energy-innovation-at-expo-2017|website=www.apcoworldwide.com}}</ref>

===Countries that have confirmed attendance ===

A number of countries have confirmed their participation in Expo 2017:

{{div col||20em}}
* {{flag|Afghanistan}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Algeria}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Angola}}<ref name="AstanaTimes1">{{Cite web|title = Vietnam Confirms Participation in EXPO 2017 |url = http://astanatimes.com/2015/08/vietnam-confirms-participation-in-expo-2017/|website = Astana Times|accessdate = 2016-09-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Antigua and Barbuda}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Armenia}}<ref name=citylist>{{cite news|title=45 countries confirm participation in EXPO-2017 exhibition in Astana|url=http://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2431484.html|agency=Trend.az}}</ref>
* {{flag|Austria}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Azerbaijan}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Belarus}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Belgium}}<ref name="KazWorld">{{Cite web|title = Belgium, Angola To Partake In Astana EXPO 2017 |url = http://kazworld.info/?p=57833 |website = KazWorld.info |accessdate = 2017-02-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Belize}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Benin}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Bolivia}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Brazil}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Bulgaria}}<ref name="Lenta1">{{Cite web|title = Bulgarian energy companies to participate in EXPO-2017 |url = http://lenta.inform.kz/en/bulgarian-energy-companies-to-participate-in-expo-2017_a2968601 |website = lenta.inform.kz |accessdate = 2017-02-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Burkina Faso}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Central African Republic}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|China}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Comoros}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Republic of the Congo}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Costa Rica}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Croatia}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Cuba}}<ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/kuba-podpisala-dogovor-uchastiya-v-ekspo-2017</ref>
* {{flag|Czech Republic}}<ref name=List>{{Cite web|title = Vietnam Confirms Participation in EXPO 2017 |url = http://en.trend.az/casia/kazakhstan/2658338.html|website = Trend.az|accessdate = 2016-09-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Djibouti}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Dominica}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Dominican Republic}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Ecuador}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Egypt}}<ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/egipet-podtverdil-uchastie-na-mezhdunarodnoj-vyistavki-ekspo-2017</ref>
* {{flag|Fiji}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Finland}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|France}}:<ref name=citylist /> France confirmed its participation on 9 April 2015. It will have a large pavilion, with a floor area of 1083 m<sup>2</sup>. France has, in the past, organised eight international exhibitions.<ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/francziya-vyibrala-odin-iz-samyix-bolshix-pavilonov-v-mezhdunarodnoj-vyistavke-ekspo-2017-v-astane</ref>
* {{flag|Gabon}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Gambia}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Georgia}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Germany}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Ghana}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Greece}}<ref name="Lenta2">{{Cite web|title = Greece signs agreement to participate in EXPO 2017 |url = http://lenta.inform.kz/en/greece-signs-agreement-to-participate-in-expo-2017_a2998016 |website = lenta.inform.kz |accessdate = 2017-02-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Grenada}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Guatemala}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Guinea}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Guyana}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Haiti}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Honduras}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Hungary}}<ref name=citylist />{{Failed verification|date=September 2016}}
* {{flag|India}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Indonesia}}<ref name=citylist />{{Failed verification|date=September 2016}}
* {{flag|Iran}}:<ref name=citylist /> Iran confirmed its participation in November 2015.<ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/v-tegerane-podpisan-dogovor-ob-uchastii-irana-v-%C2%ABekspo-2017%C2%BB</ref>
* {{flag|Israel}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Italy}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Ivory Coast}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Japan}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Jordan}}:<ref name=citylist /> Jordanian Montasser al-Oklahoma<!-- this looks like vandalism, but the source really does say "al-Oklahoma" --> confirmed country's participation on 3 November 2015.<ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/iordaniya-podtverdila-uchastie-v-%C2%ABekspo-2017%C2%BB</ref>
* {{flag|Kenya}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Kiribati}}<ref name=Oceania />
* {{flag|Kyrgyzstan}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Latvia}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Lesotho}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Liberia}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Lithuania}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Madagascar}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Malaysia}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Marshall Islands}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Mauritania}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Monaco}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Mongolia}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Nauru}}<ref name="Oceania">{{Cite web|title = 10 Pacific countries at EXPO 2017 |url = http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/312950/10-pacific-countries-at-expo-2017|website = Astana Times|accessdate = 2016-09-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Netherlands}}:<ref name=citylist />{{Failed verification|date=September 2016}} On 2 December 2015, [[Foreign relations of the Netherlands|Ambassador of the Netherlands in Kazakhstan]] Hans Driesser signed an agreement on participation.<ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/niderlandyi-oficzialno-podtverdili-uchastie-v-ekspo-2017</ref>
* {{flag|North Korea}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Pakistan}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Palau}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Panama}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Paraguay}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Poland}}<ref name="Poland">{{Cite web|title = Poland Is Ready to Demonstrate its Innovative Technologies at EXPO 2017 |url = http://astanatimes.com/2016/03/poland-is-ready-to-demonstrate-its-innovative-technologies-at-expo-2017/|website = Astana Times|accessdate = 2016-03-09}}</ref>
* {{flag|Qatar}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Romania}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Russia}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Saint Kitts and Nevis}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Saint Lucia}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Samoa}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref name=citylist /><ref>https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2015/saudovskaya-araviya-gotova-pokazat-novyie-razrabotki-na-%C2%ABekspo-2017%C2%BB</ref>
* {{flag|Serbia}}<ref name=citylist />{{Failed verification|date=September 2016}}
* {{flag|Senegal}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Seychelles}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Sierra Leone}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Singapore}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Slovakia}}<ref name="AstanaTimes3">{{Cite web|title = Slovakia Confirms Participation in EXPO 2017 |url = http://astanatimes.com/2016/10/slovakia-confirms-participation-in-expo-2017/ |website = Astana Times |accessdate = 2017-02-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|South Korea}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Solomon Islands}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Spain}}<ref name=AstanaTimes2 />
* {{flag|Sri Lanka}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Suriname}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Sweden}}<ref name="BNews">{{Cite web|title = Sweden confirmed its willingness to participate EXPO 2017 |url = http://bnews.kz/en/news/nacionalnyi_proekt_expo_2017/spetsproekti/nacionalnyi_proekt_expo_2017/sweden_confirmed_its_willingness_to_participate_expo_2017-2015_10_17-1173367 |website = bnews.kz |accessdate = 2017-02-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Switzerland}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Thailand}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Tajikistan}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Tonga}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|Turkmenistan}}<ref name=citylist />
* {{flag|Turkey}}<ref name=citylist /> 
* {{flag|Tuvalu}}<ref name=Oceania />
* {{flag|Ukraine}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name=List />
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref name="AstanaTimes2">{{Cite web|title = 100 States Officially Confirm Participation in EXPO 2017 |url = http://astanatimes.com/2016/09/100-states-officially-confirm-participation-in-expo-2017/|website = Astana Times|accessdate = 2016-09-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}}<ref name="Expo2017Astana1">{{Cite web|title = U.S. to participate in Expo 2017 |url = https://expo2017astana.com/en/news/2016/oktyabr/usa-will-participate-in-expo-2017 |website = expo2017astana.com |accessdate = 2017-02-11}}</ref>
* {{flag|Vanuatu}}<ref name=AstanaTimes1 />
* {{flag|Vatican City}}<ref name=AstanaTimes2 />
* {{flag|Vietnam}}<ref name=citylist />
{{div col end}}

=== Corporate participation ===

Multinational corporations are sponsors of Expo 2017, namely Samsung, Cisco Systems, and Shell. Kazakh sponsors include NCOC, Air Astana, JSC Kazkommertsbank, JSC Samruk Energy, and JSC Kazpochta.<ref name="corpsponsors">{{cite news|title=Samsung becomes official partner of National Company Astana EXPO 2017|url=http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2867398|publisher=KazInform}}</ref>

Expo 2017 attracted €125 million in sponsorships from large international companies. The sponsors of Expo 2017 include Samsung, Shell, Chevron and others.<ref>{{cite web|title=Known worldwide companies sponsored EXPO-2017 for 125 mn euros|url=http://kazakh-tv.kz/en/view/world_news/page_171742_known-worldwide-companies-sponsored-expo-2017-for-125-mn-euros|website=kazakh-tv.kz}}</ref>

===International organizations===

Astana Expo 2017 and UN World Tourism Organization signed a memorandum of cooperation. The memorandum envisions organizing a joint conference on “Tourism and the Energy of the Future” in late June during the exposition.<ref>{{cite web|title=EXPO 2017 to Host Tourism Ministerial Forum|url=http://astanatimes.com/2016/06/expo-2017-to-host-tourism-ministerial-forum/|website=astanatimes.com}}</ref> 
International organizations that confirmed their participation in Expo 2017 also include the International Renewable Energy Agency ([[IRENA]]), an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Abu Dhabi.<ref>{{cite web|title=IRENA to Participate in EXPO 2017|url=http://astanatimes.com/2016/12/irena-to-participate-in-expo-2017/|website=astanatimes.com}}</ref>

===Ambassador for Expo 2017===

In March 2016, unified middleweight World Champion [[Gennady Golovkin]] became an official Ambassador for Astana Expo 2017. Gennady Golovkin is originally from Karaganda, Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gennady GGG Golovkin Named Ambassador for EXPO 2017|url=http://astanatimes.com/2016/04/gennady-ggg-golovkin-named-ambassador-for-expo-2017/|website=astanatimes.com}}</ref>

==Host selection==
On 1 July 2010, during the 147th session of the General Assembly of member countries of the BIE, held at their headquarters in [[Paris]], [[Kazakhstan]] announced its intention to participate in the bidding process to host the International Specialized Exhibition at Astana in 2017, hence giving cities with counter-bids six months to respond. One other candidate city applied:<ref name=bienews>{{cite web|url=http://www.bie-paris.org/site/articles/general-news.html |title=General News |accessdate=13 December 2020 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113082347/http://www.bie-paris.org/site/articles/general-news.html |archivedate=November 13, 2012 }}</ref> [[Liège]] in [[Belgium]]. The winning candidate was selected by the BIE on 22 November 2012 in Paris.

===Candidate cities===
The following cities bid to host Expo 2017:

{| class="sortable"
|-
! City
! Country
! Theme
|-
| [[Astana]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inform.kz/eng/article/2295265 |title=Astana applied for hosting EXPO-2017 |publisher=Inform.kz |date=2010-08-17 |accessdate=2014-02-12}}</ref>
| {{flagicon|Kazakhstan}} [[Kazakhstan]]
| ''Future Energy''<ref name="Astanatheme">{{cite web|url=http://www.expo2017astana.com/en/node/118|accessdate=1 July 2012|title=The theme of the exhibition | publisher = EXPO 2017}}</ref>
|-
| [[Liège]]<ref>http://liege.be/liege-patrticipez/expo-internationale-2017</ref>
| {{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]]
| ''Connecting the World, Linking People, Better Living Together''<ref name="Liegewebpage">{{cite web|url=http://www.liege-expo2017.com/en/sign-for-it-.html|title=Liège 2012|accessdate=1 July 2012}}</ref>
|}

===Cities that did not bid===
The following cities had considered bidding to host Expo 2017:

{| class="sortable"
|-
! City
! Country
|-
| [[Newcastle, New South Wales]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Barry O'Farrell's message to the Hunter|url=http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/barry-ofarrells-message-to-the-hunter/2113779.aspx|newspaper=Newcastle Herald|date=25 Mar 2011}}</ref>
| {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Australia]]
|-
| [[Edmonton]] (see [[Expo 17]])
| {{flagicon|Canada}} [[Canada]] 
|-
| [[Belgrade]]
| {{flagicon|Serbia}} [[Serbia]] 
|-
| [[Lille]]
| {{flagicon|France}} [[France]]
|-
| [[Stavanger]]
| {{flagicon|Norway}} [[Norway]]
|-
| [[Sydney]]
| {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Australia]]
|-
| [[Salamanca]]
| {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]]
|}

===Astana candidacy===
The city of Astana, which won the UNESCO Cities for Peace award,<ref name="candidature">{{cite web|url=http://www.bie-paris.org/site/fr/articles/nouvelles-generales/410-candidatures-international-expo-2017.html |title=Candidatures Expo internationale 2017 |work=Site officiel du BIE |accessdate=12-11-2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605084053/http://www.bie-paris.org/site/fr/articles/nouvelles-generales/410-candidatures-international-expo-2017.html |archivedate=June 5, 2012 }}</ref> is the capital of [[Kazakhstan]]. It applied to host the International Exposition in 2017 on 10 June 2011 through [[Rapil Jochibayev]], head of project coordination. The official presentation of the city's application took place during the 149th General Meeting of the [[Bureau International des Expositions]].

On 10 June 2012, the country launched its promotional campaign to support the candidacy of Astana.

The city of Astana suggested the topic of "Future Energy. Action for global sustainability" <ref name="sympo">{{cite web|url=http://www.bie-paris.org/site/fr/articles/nouvelles-generales/468-international-symposium-on-future-energy-held-in-astana.html|title=Symposium international EXPO ASTANA 2017|work= Site officiel du BIE|date=2012-06-28|accessdate=2012-11-11}}</ref> as the exhibition's theme. During the symposium on Astana's candidacy, the BIE Secretary General, Vincente Gonzales Loscertales, declared: {{quote|Energy is one of [[United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development|RIO+20]]’s seven critical issues and the topic of Astana Expo gives the opportunity to gather several suggestions. Five years after RIO+20’s, Astana could represent an ideal step towards the assessment in 2012 of some of the commitments that were made… }}

As an element of the campaign held to support the candidacy of Astana, the committee shot the film ''Astana Expo 2017. "The Great Expectation of Kazakhstan"''. The video was awarded the Silver Dolphin prize<ref name="lesoir">{{cite web|url=http://www.lesoir.be/110289/article/actualite/fil-info/fil-info-styles/2012-10-31/exposition-internationale-astana-2017-remporte-un-prix-%C3%A0-cannes-pou|title=Exposition internationale - "Astana 2017" remporte un prix à Cannes pour un film de promotion|work=lesoir.be|date=2012-10-31|accessdate=2012-11-11}}</ref> of the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards on {{date|October|18th|2012}}, in the " corporate videos " category.

On June 15, 2013, the French government and solar energy partners in France teamed up with the Expo 2017 organizing committee to sponsor the Sun Trip. 35 bikers from around Europe, North America, and Kazakhstan traveled on solar powered bicycles from the outskirts of Paris to Astana in two months to show the world that solar energy is viable source of power.<ref>The Sun Trip http://thesuntrip.com</ref>

===Liège candidacy===

The city of [[Liège]], the heart of Belgium's third largest conurbation (600,000 inhabitants), is the economic capital of [[Wallonia]].

Over ten years, it has rolled out an ambitious redevelopment strategy. The city and the conurbation are undergoing a make-over with the aim of spawning a service economy focusing on centres of excellence.

The policy of ambitious structuring projects, orchestrated by the public authorities and supported by businesses, universities and institutes, is giving the Liege region a new lease of life. While awaiting the arrival of the tram, a scheme initiated by the Walloon Government, several major projects are underway: the [[Royal Opera of Wallonia]], an institution with an international reputation, is being restored; the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art will be transformed into an International Centre of Art and Culture. Not forgetting the recent inaugurations of the new high-speed train station created by the architect [[Santiago Calatrava]], the ‘Mediacité’ leisure complex designed by [[Ron Aarad]], the Grand Curtius museum complex, etc.

The impacts of this strategy are that the City of Liege attracts new inhabitants; it has reclaimed its position as Wallonia's main tourist destination; Liege airport ranks eighth in Europe for freight transport (1st in Belgium), the autonomous port of Liege is the biggest Belgian inland port and the third European port in terms of transported tonnage and, what's more, according to an independent study by Cushman and Wakefield, the district of Liege is considered as the most attractive region in Europe in logistical terms.

The district is also the seat of world-renowned companies, such as AB InBev, Mittal, Umicore, FN Herstal, Techspace Aero, EVS Broadcast, Amos or Eurogentec. Most of them have prompted the emergence of competence clusters in areas in which Liege excels: aeronautics, the metalworking industry and mechanics, space, biotechnologies, information technologies, or again, agrifood.

The city wants to build on this positive momentum to organise an event with an international scope that will constitute the crowning achievement of the economic and urban reconversion strategy of the Liege Region.

Holding an International Expo in Liege in 2017 would have offered an opportunity to:
*showcase Belgium's strengths and success stories in the economic, scientific and cultural arenas;
*put Belgium, its Regions and Communities on the world map for all the right reasons;
*symbolise the success of the industrial and urban reconversion of the Liege Region.

===Candidates in North America===

In North America, at least four cities and organizations in Canada proposed staging an international exposition in 2017 to coincide with the Canada's 150th anniversary of confederation. Due to Canada's previous experiences with [[Expo 67]] and [[Expo 86]], and the fact North America has not staged an expo since 1986, it was generally believed among promoters that Canada would stand a good chance of winning an expo in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-s-expo-2017-bid-a-no-go-1.918046|title=Edmonton's Expo 2017 bid a no-go|last=|first=|date=|work=|access-date=|via=}}</ref>

The earliest concerted initiative—for an expo to be staged in [[Montreal]]—was launched by Vancouver-based NGO [[Expo 17]] Inc, which released a 51-page proposal tailored to Montreal's existing Vision 2025 report put together by the Société du Havre.<ref>"West Coast group pitches Expo 17 for Montreal" http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=8a3551c8-d206-4057-9fe5-9fe075eb0e59&k=81474</ref> The Expo 17 proposal (and web site) strongly advocated Canadian unity and social/environmental sustainability. Specifics of the proposal included "saving the [[Saint Lawrence River]]" and revisiting the [[Habitat 67]] housing concept that had featured as a prototype for Expo 67. The proposal suggested staging up to three smaller expos (recognized, horticultural and housing expos) to achieve maximum impact and attendance. The proposal and web site were launched in 2007 on the 40th anniversary of Expo 67. The Expo 17 group, after announcing its withdrawal from Montreal,<ref>"Montreal out of the running for World's Fair" http://communities.canada.com/montrealgazette/blogs/greenlife/archive/2009/06/17/montreal-out-of-the-running-for-world-s-fair-expo-17-promoter-barham-laments.aspx</ref> committed itself to promoting alternative sesquicentennial events, particularly of pronounced social and environmental value.

The cities of [[Ottawa]]<ref>"Bring on Expo 2017" http://ottawastart.com/expo2017.php</ref> and [[Hamilton, Ontario]]<ref>PDF summary submitted by Hamilton Chamber of Commerce: http://www.hamiltonchamber.on.ca/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=78&task=doc_download&gid=97</ref> explored the possibility of an expo in 2017, but declined to submit a proposal to the Department of Canadian Heritage.

In the spring of 2009, the [[Department of Canadian Heritage]], informed cities in Canada that any interest in staging an Expo in 2017 would have to be expressed with a Letter of Intent before May 29, 2009<ref>Canadian Heritage web announcement: http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/expo/index-eng.cfm</ref> followed by a full proposal no later than November 30, 2009. Ottawa, Hamilton and Montreal declined while Edmonton, with a bid proposal already prepared, decided to push forward. Albertan rival [[Calgary]] also submitted a letter of intent in late May just before the filing deadline,<ref>"Cowtown behind in hot race for Expo 2017" http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/alberta/2009/06/01/9634521-sun.html</ref> surprising the Edmonton bid committee and igniting intra-provincial tensions. Calgary decided not to proceed with a full proposal, deciding instead to invest in alternative ways to improve the city.<ref>"Calgary pulls plug on Expo 2017 bid, keeps West Village plans" http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+pulls+plug+Expo+2017/2173712/story.html</ref> Being the only remaining candidate, Edmonton was granted the sole Canadian right to bid for Expo 2017 internationally.

====Edmonton bid====
{{main article|Edmonton Expo 2017}}
A high-level feasibility study was first conducted for Edmonton Expo 2017 in 2007 but the proposal moved further towards serious consideration after city representatives visited [[Expo 2008]] (a recognized expo) in [[Zaragoza, Spain]]. On October 29, 2008, Edmonton City Council approved pursuing this next step on the condition of [[Government of Alberta]] support and cost-sharing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=34828270-637d-4e94-ae9a-e953cee66113 |title=Expo a low priority, Stelmach tells Edmonton |date=October 30, 2008 |work=Edmonton Journal |publisher=Canada.com |accessdate=July 11, 2012 }}</ref> Themes suggested for [[Edmonton]] such as "A New Silk Road: Trade and Commerce", championed by MLA Gary Mar and city councillor Mike Nickel,<ref>"Expo 2017 bid an opportunity to showcase Edmonton to the world" http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/letters/story.html?id=89719a4c-3be3-4cd2-a32a-3dc96dc61665</ref> indicating a commercial approach, but the proposed expo later decided to shift the focus to energy and environmental concerns, with the theme "Harmony of Energy and Our Future Planet".

The bid organizers estimated costs to total C$2.3 billion to be funded by municipal, provincial and federal governments as well as private sector sponsorship. News broke on November 22, 2010 that the federal government had declined to approve funds for the Expo – estimated at C$706 million, stating that the project was far too expensive and financially risky. Edmonton's mayor [[Stephen Mandel]] was shocked and said "I've never been as mad at anything and just so disappointed in the lack of vision of a government… This decision is frankly wrong and extremely short-sighted".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2010/11/22/edmonton-feds-kill-expo-bid.html |title=Edmonton's Expo 2017 bid a no-go |date=November 22, 2010 |work=CBC News |accessdate=July 11, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/no-federal-support-for-edmonton-s-bid-to-host-expo-1.577655 |title=No federal support for Edmonton's bid to host Expo |date=November 22, 2010 |work=ctvedmonton.ca |publisher=Bell Media |accessdate=July 11, 2012 }}</ref> The lack of federal funding effectively ended Edmonton's bid for Expo 2017.

== See also ==
* [[Expo 17]]
* [[Edmonton EXPO 2017]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.expo2017astana.com/ Expo 2017 Astana-Kazakhstan]
* [http://www.expomuseum.com/2017/ Expo 2017 page at ExpoMuseum.com]
*[http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/2017-astana Official website of the BIE]
* [http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/official-journal/2016/etc/se4/p219.html European Patent Office]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xy-UnNsOhyI Film ''Astana Expo 2017 " The Great Expectation of Kazakhstan "'']
* [http://www.liege-expo2017.com/ Liège 2017]
* [http://www.expobids.com/ ExpoBids.com]
* [http://www.expo17.ca/ Expo 17 (Canada)]
* [http://www.expo2017.ca/ Expo 2017 (Canada)]
* [http://edmontonexpo2017.com/ Edmonton Expo 2017]
* [[Société du Havre de Montréal|Société du Havre de Montréal (Canada)]]

{{List of world exhibitions}}

[[Category:World's fairs]]
[[Category:2017 in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Scheduled events]]
[[Category:Events in Astana]]
[[Category:2017 festivals]]
[[Category:World's fairs in Asia]]