In his article entitled ‘My Milan Expo experience’ (June 8), John Cassar White wrote rather dismissively about Expo. 2015 currently being held in Milan. I am writing in response because I very much respect his opinion but, in this case, I think he was rather stingy with praise where it is due.

Expo is a universal exposition in which practically all the countries of the world and the major world organisations participate. The theme of the current Expo is ‘Feeding the planet, energy for life’, the aim being to further raise awareness about the huge problem of hunger and malnutrition in large parts of the world and to try to alleviate and, hopefully, find a solution to this scourge. Participating countries were urged to keep this theme in mind in the structure and content of their pavilions.

Cassar White was complimentary about the pavilions themselves but not so much about their content. I beg to differ on this. Most of the content in the larger pavilions, such as those of the United Kingdom, China, Italy, and others, is awesome, very informative and introducing cutting-edge technology, especially in IT.

For some reason, Cassar White picked on the Irish pavilion and said this was symptomatic of the austerity prevailing at the expo. While not denying that most countries have become more careful with their money, Ireland is probably not the best choice as an example. Again, the author was not impressed by the Albero della Vita – a main feature at the expo. He is, of course, entitled to his opinion but most of the experts and journalists were full of praise for its artistry and the workmanship that went into its creation. I myself have been present at the Albero della Vita spectacle several times and I was invariably moved by the experience. Certainly to most Maltese visitors the Albero will be a thing of wonder.

The main reason I am writing all this is that I believe that visiting the Milan Expo for all Maltese in general, and, even more so, for the young and adolescents, is a one-off educational experience that should really not be missed.

I refer to the Maltese people in particular because we come from a small country that is blessed by the beautiful sea that surrounds us but little else in the way of geophysical features. Of course, many of us travel and most watch television but there is still a tendency to consider Malta the centre of the world.

The Milan Expo and the pavilions there dispel any illusions that Malta is the centre of the world

The expo and the pavilions there dispel any such illusions as they eloquently and visually show the vast expanses and diversity of the world with its forests, deserts, mountains, rivers, etc. and the huge differences in the regions with profoundly different climatic conditions.

In most cases, the information is transmitted in a lucid, understandable and enjoyable format.

I am also sure that most Maltese will be interested to learn what is being done at international level to augment food supply and improve its distribution. The Maltese have always been very generous whenever a calamity happens in any part of the world and I am sure the thematic subject of the expo, ‘Feeding the needy’, will be near to their hearts.

Malta has its own pavilion in the Bio Mediterranean cluster, which we share with other Mediterranean countries. I think the pavilion is very well done, all credit due to Malta Enterprise.

I am, of course, biased in my view but we are having on average 2,000 visits a day and most of the remarks are very complimentary. We are, of course, happy to see Maltese visitors at our pavilion though, as is to be expected, our presentations are mainly orientated towards foreigners.

Going back to Cassar White’s article, of course there may be some inconveniences at the expo, such as long walks, some queuing, junk food (along, however, with much gastronomic excellence in the pavilions) but these small sufferings are inevitable in any large exhibition or event.

I strongly encourage anyone who can to visit this expo, especially since Milan is so easy for us to get to.

I can guarantee it will be an enriching experience apart from also being very enjoyable. Such an expo is only held every five years and the next one will be in Dubai.

I strongly believe one should go to the expo, irrespective of whether one combines the visit with anything else.

The Lago di Como and Milan, mentioned by Cassar White, will be there forever. The Milan Expo 2015 shuts its doors at the end of October.

John Mamo is Commissioner General for Malta at the Milan Expo.