The Power of Opportunity

Expo 2020 saw a wave of nations descend upon Dubai in a bid to show off their national prowess. It had big, bold, unapologetic ambitions about creating change around the world. Opportunity, sustainability and mobility are the three overarching themes for the Expo. This translates into three pavilions, each taking one of the three themes. We were brought on board to develop the concept and curatorial brief for Opportunity pavilion.

We started by defining what opportunity meant for the United Arab Emirates. We defined it as the ‘thing’ that enables individuals and communities to fulfil their potential. Then we asked, what is the single most enabling tool at our disposal? The answer is storytelling itself. Every culture, every country, every community throughout history tells stories. From caveman paintings to blockbuster movies, stories are the universal connector and the most powerful form of inspiration.

The concept for Opportunity pavilion was simple yet powerful. It told stories that encourage people to be the best that they can be – to seize opportunity, improve their lives and inspire others to do the same. It is about signing up to be part of a global movement to unlock opportunity for the eight billion people who will be sharing the planet by 2030. It’s a journey to action. From indifference to caring, passive observer to active participant, from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I will’.

Our concept translates into a game-based experience. You are set a mission that takes you on a journey through the space – part exhibition, part networking hub, part programming spectacle. Along the way, you meet real people, hear their inspirational stories and share your own. They become role models or mentors who have used opportunity to do great things – to help end poverty, protect the planet and bring peace to communities. This plants the seed in others and creates a ripple effect. Inspirational stories are like catalyses to action, spreading at an exponential rate. Above all, Expo 2020 promises to be a showcase in how humans use opportunity to change the world.