A global cast of change-makers set the scene for a better world

Richard Curtis, the decorated writer and film director behind blockbusters Love Actually and Notting Hill, is joining forces with top UN figures and many more change-makers from around the world for Expo Talks: Global Goals, held virtually on 9 and 10 March.

The latest in the Expo Talks series delves into innovative solutions and concrete actions required to turn the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a global blueprint and roadmap to create a more dignified, just world by 2030 – into reality.

Held in association with the UN, and available to watch live and on-demand, it aims to create a call to action and highlight what missing the targets set out by the SDGs in the next decade will mean for the world’s most vulnerable.

Richard Curtis – Writer, Director, Co-Founder of Red Nose Day, Co-Founder of Project Everyone and SDGs Advocate – will outline his work in promoting the goals through non-profit Project Everyone.

Fellow SDG Advocate Dr Alaa Murabit, UN High-Level Commissioner on Health Employment and Economic Growth, is also among the globally renowned guests, alongside Expo’s International Participants, Official Partners SAP and Accenture, and more.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai and His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Director General of The Prime Minister's Office and Vice Chair of the UAE National Committee on the SDGs will offer keynote remarks.

Expo 2020 will also offer a sneak peek into the visitor experience at Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion, with Ola Rosling, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Gapminder Foundation, on hand to outline the importance of facts in fighting misconceptions and promoting fact-based world views.

Expo Talks: Global Goals is the ninth in a series of 10 thematic talks – launched in October 2020 with Space – bringing together influential policymakers, thought-leaders, Expo participants and the public to help shape the thought-provoking content and conversations taking place during Expo 2020.

Running from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai will seek collaborative solutions to the world’s most pressing issues – including weeks dedicated to Climate and Biodiversity, Knowledge and Learning, and Water – to help shape a cleaner, healthier, safer future for all.