The Central African Republic celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Monday with cultural performances highlighting the people’s relationship with the environment, a message reinforced by the country’s leader, His Excellency President Faustin-Archange Touadéra during his visit.
His Excellency, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, accompanied by Alain Koyangozo, Commissioner General of the Central African Republic, was welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai.
His Excellency President Faustin-Archange Touadéra said: “The Central African Republic Pavilion is located in the Sustainability District. It embodies the true vision of the Central African Republic in terms of its wealth and its commitment to the preservation and protection of the ecosystem in the Congo Basin, the second largest forest on the planet after that of the Amazon. It also showcases our dear and beautiful country in the United Arab Emirates.”
“The government has been firmly instructed to lead the country in an open, transparent, inclusive spirit and within a framework of dialogue where all Central Africans will make their contribution – this is why I made a point of personally presiding over the National Day of the Central African Republic that we are celebrating today.”
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan said: “The UAE values the Central African Republic’s participation in this world event, as the pavilion showcases to us the country’s national and economic priorities, while also highlighting key areas in its journey towards development and growth. This includes the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources, combating deforestation, and pressing matters such as the expansion of electrification to facilitate the lives of this country’s resilient people.
“The pavilion sheds light on the country’s perspective in relation to the interdependence between humans, technology, and nature, and experiences the vibrant culture and heritage of the people of the Central African Republic through unique exhibits and events taking place across the months of this Expo.” The speeches were followed by a traditional Mondelè group dance sequence featuring 11 sections with rhythmic movements, steps, and gestures expressing a feeling or state of mind.
The routine represents the Central African Republic’s way of life and shows the people’s relationship with the environment. In addition to its cultural performances, the Central African Republic hosted ‘Forum Economique’ in the Business Connect Centre to showcase its business and investment opportunities.
The Central African Republic Pavilion focuses on the symbiosis between humans, technology and nature, showcasing innovations to tackle the effects of deforestation. There are also educational programmes, and interactive activities for children.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 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.
Delroy Constantine-Simms & Maureen Drackett-Fuller
