AIPH International Horticultural Expos Conference in Doha

07.03.2024

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is a global organisation uniting thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants. It is the approving body of International Horticultural Expos, such as Expo Doha Qatar 2023.

During the AIPH Spring Meeting in Qatar, organisers of the International Horticultural Expos presented their progress reports at AIPH’s International Horticultural Expos Conference. In his opening message, AIPH president Leonardo Capitanio emphasised the importance of ornamental horticulture by stating, “The world needs to hear the message we have to tell. AIPH, as the world’s champion for the power of plants, will continue to promote the importance of plants.”

AIPH’s Expos Conference took place alongside AIPH-approved Expo 2023 Doha Qatar - the first AIPH-approved Horticultural Expo in a desert climate. Over 120 delegates from 23 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East gathered in the heart of Al Bidda Park in the Expo’s Congress Centre to hear the reports.

Expo 2023 Doha has been open to the public since October 2023, and it has so far welcomed 3,881,971 visitors who have experienced its theme of ‘Green desert, better environment’. It has been an inspiration for visitors, showcasing how desert cities can move towards greener futures. The Expo has seen participation from 71 countries, with each garden and pavilion exhibiting ornamental horticulture and best practices.

Mohammed Ali Alkhoori, the secretary general of Expo 2023 Doha, spoke about the Expo's activities to educate visitors about sustainability, environmental awareness, modern agriculture, technology, and innovation. He also provided an overview of the plans for the Expo site after its closure on 28 March.

The Conference allowed delegates the opportunity to review not only Expo 2023 Doha’s progress but also the progress of upcoming International Horticultural Expos, which will be taking place in China, Türkiye, Thailand, and Japan. There was also the opportunity to look back on Expos that finished in 2023 with Final Reports given from Suncheon, South Korea, and Kahramanmaraş in Türkiye.

Representatives of Expo applications for AIPH approval also had the opportunity to present their cities to AIPH Members. These included applications to host Category A1 Expos from Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), (Thailand) and Minnesota (USA). Applications for Category B Expos from Ulsan (Korea) and an application for a Category C International Horticultural Show from Euroflora, Genoa (Italy). After the AIPH Expos Conference, delegates had the chance to take a VIP Tour of Expo 2023 Doha.