New AIPH Approvals for the USA and Iraq

AIPH has approved two new International Horticultural Exhibitions, reinforcing its global role in guiding sustainable development and international cooperation through horticulture. The approvals were announced during the 77th AIPH Annual Congress, held in Ghent, Belgium.

AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe commented that both approvals show how nations are embracing horticultural Expos as powerful platforms for sustainability and cooperation.

Each new Expo reflects the diversity of AIPH’s global family — from the Middle East to North America — and the shared commitment to advancing greener, healthier cities through the power of plants.

Provisional Approval Marks New Chapter for Expo Minnesota 2031

Expo 2031 Minnesota represents a new chapter for AIPH in North America, where organisers are developing a large-scale exhibition celebrating innovation, design, and community engagement. Following provisional approval by AIPH during the Annual Congress in Ghent, the organising committee is progressing toward full federal recognition. Led by CEO Wendy Meadley, the project has received strong bipartisan support and embodies the spirit of horticulture as a bridge between innovation and community.

From Mesopotamia to Modern Times: AIPH Approves Expo 2029 Garden in Baghdad

Expo Garden in Baghdad 2029 will be Iraq’s first international horticultural event, formally recognised as an International Green Exhibition under AIPH approval. Backed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and supported across ministries, the project will transform a 160-hectare site beside the Tigris River into a symbol of environmental renewal and peace.

From Vision to Reality:
Progress Reports Across the AIPH Expo Network

At the International Horticultural Expo Conference during the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium, organisers from approved Expos shared tangible milestones, from construction and participation updates to new education and legacy initiatives, showing how each project is turning vision into delivery. Follow the highlights below. 

Expo 2027 Yokohama Welcomes 60 Countries as Momentum Builds

For Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxEXPO 2027), International participation has doubled since June 2025, now reaching 60 countries and seven organisations. Major domestic firms such as Mitsubishi and Kajima are backing the event, and architect Kengo Kuma’s cross-laminated-timber Tema Pavilion has entered its final design phase. Land handovers to participants are scheduled for March 2026, with “500 Days to Go” celebrations planned in spring.
⬇️ Watch the video below

“Green Expo 2027 will show how people and nature can coexist in harmony.” Director, Li Washaka 

Expo 2029 Korat: Thailand’s Green Future Takes Root

Expo 2029 Korat's master-plan completion and BIE recognition are targeted for mid-2026, with infrastructure and high-speed rail links advancing. The “People’s Pension Project” has now registered two million trees as living assets, expanding its “green wealth” initiative across the province.
⬇️  Watch the Video below

“Each tree planted today is both an investment and an inheritance — a green savings account for our children.” 
Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Growing Opportunities for People, Water and Plants

Expo 2026 Udon Thani's masterplan divides the wetland site into seven zones, and 17 outdoor gardens are already allocated. Ten countries have confirmed participation, and the province expects the Expo to create 36,000 jobs. Language-training programmes for volunteers began in September.
⬇️ Watch the Video below

“Our Expo is a reflection of our shared commitment to sustainability and cultural diversity.” 
Vice Governor of Udon Thani Province

National Backing Accelerates 2028 Ulsan Expo

For the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo, more than half of the landfill restoration is complete, and total funding has risen 4.6-fold to ₩220 billion, confirming national-project status under the Korean President. Autonomous electric shuttles and a new water-transport system have completed trial runs, and the foundation phase will close by year-end.
⬇️ Watch the Video below

“This Expo proves that an industrial city can reinvent itself through nature.” 
Kim Doo-gyeom, Mayor of Ulsan

Building for the Future with Schools and Industry

For Taean International Horticulture & Healing Expo 2026, the construction of core facilities is on track, with planting to begin in November 2025. The Expo has finalised MOUs with all Korean metropolitan and provincial education offices for school participation, and more than 70 companies have been confirmed for the Industrial Pavilion.
⬇️ Watch the Video below

“Our Expo is designed not just to display flowers, but to help visitors discover the healing power of horticulture.” 
Choi Jong Wook, Administrative Officer, Taean Expo Organising Committee

Expo 2027 İzmir Advances Climate-Resilient Design and Sustainable Innovation

Expo 2027 İzmir organisers showed that ecological mapping is underway to replace salt-affected trees with climate-resilient species. The design team is finalising an eco-parking system using recycled seashells and plans to launch an international garden-design competition in early 2026.
⬇️ Watch the Video below

“Our aim isn’t just to stage another flower show; it’s to prove that One Health can live in a city.” 
Lead Designer, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Planning Agency

Connecting People And Culture Through Food

During the AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Affiliate Member Living Hospitality / Mosimann presented their work at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai and upcoming plans for GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama. The presentation illustrated how sustainable hospitality and biophilic design can enhance visitor experience at international Expos. Mark and Philipp Mosimann highlighted how their ethos of “Cuisine Naturelle” aligns with AIPH’s vision of connecting people and plants. 

Mark Mosimann said: “We’re not just part of Expo; we’re here to deliver the very best experience — one that reflects culture, celebrates innovation, and connects people through food.”

Future International Horticultural Trade Shows

Here are the forthcoming AIPH-approved International Horticultural Trade Fairs in early 2026

• 27-30 January 2026 - IPM Essen, Germany
• 18-20 February 2026 - MyPlant & Garden, Italy
  
• 20-22 May 2026 - Hortex, Thailand