Expo Belgrade 2027, themed "Play for Humanity"; Iran focuses on intergenerational connections.

On the sidelines of the third day of the Sports and Sports Equipment Exhibition, a specialized session titled "Introduction to Expo Belgrade 2027" was held in Conference Hall No. 1, attended by relevant officials, including:

- Mr. Beikzadeh, Commissioner General of Expo Belgrade 2027  
- Mr. Kalantari, Managing Director of the Islamic Republic of Iran International Exhibitions Company  
- Mr. Pasandid, Director General of the Office for Development of Public Sports at the Ministry of Sports and Youth  
- Mr. Pashandi, President of the Rural, Nomadic, and Indigenous Games Federation  
- Mr. Ghomi, President of Tehran Province Public Sports Association  

The session also featured a keynote speech by Mr. Mehdi Tondgouyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Islamic Republic of Iran International Exhibitions Company.

In his address, Tondgouyan elaborated on the fundamental differences between World Expos and other commercial exhibitions and explained the role of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in determining the themes and host countries for these events. He noted that World Expos are held every five years, each centered around a global theme and open to visitors for a six-month period.

**Bridging the Generational Gap: The Core Theme of Belgrade 2027**

Tondgouyan announced that the main theme of Expo Belgrade 2027 is "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All," with its central focus being "Bridging the Generational Gap." He emphasized, "This Expo prioritizes indigenous, local, and physical games that directly foster joy, interaction, and constructive bonds among different generations within society."

He further highlighted that the Expo site spans 113 hectares and is expected to host participation from 121 countries. In this context, he announced the launch of a national competition to design Iran’s pavilion for this global exhibition.

Reiterating the necessity of active involvement from all age groups in the Belgrade event, Tondgouyan stated, "This global event presents an opportunity for the Islamic Republic of Iran to showcase its indigenous games and traditions, demonstrating the concept of intergenerational interaction and coexistence." He invited all Iranian academic institutions, universities, and designers to submit their creative ideas and proposals for Iran’s presence at the Expo, adding, "Iran’s pavilion—centered on local, traditional, and folkloric games rooted deeply in our national culture and identity—will reflect the spirit of solidarity and dynamism of Iranian society on the international stage."