The European Union and its member states hosted the fifth iteration of the EuroVillage at the Jinnah Convention Centre to the delight of thousands of visitors. This year’s celebration centered on the theme of co-creating a sustainable future, entitled ‘Stronger Together – Sustainable Forever’.

Organised by the diplomatic missions of the European Union and of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Spain, the event had information and activity booths for both adults and children with interactive games, selfie corners and food.

Ambassador of the European Union Dr Riina Kionka said: “EuroVillage is a special event for us; we cherish the people-to-people connections it offers. This year, we want you to experience our journey of co-creating a sustainable future. Europe has the ambition to be the first climate neutral continent, but also wants to support its partners towards the green transition. Pakistan is one of the countries at the greatest risk from climate change. The EU is working with Pakistan to help address challenges and create a sustainable future for all.”

“We have sought to address the interest in Europe and the European Union by taking around the Dosti truck, on display in the middle of the ground here, to different parts of Pakistan to show what it is that the EU and its member states do. Unity and diversity is our motto and we cherish the diverse cultures, languages, religions, histories, and identities that co-exist in Europe. These are our wealth and they shape our shared values, they connect us and they give us a joint sense of purpose, and it is this common understanding that lies at the heart of our relations, including with Pakistan,” she added.

German Ambassador Alfred Grannas said he was thrilled to be part of EuroVillage.

“This event is all about cross-cultural exchange: bringing people together from different backgrounds. It’s like a party that shows how connecting with each other can make our world feel like one big family,” he said.

Austrian Ambassador Andrea Wicke said today visitors wholeheartedly embraced the Austrian Pavilion at EuroVillage.

“Eagerly seizing the opportunity to immerse themselves in Austria’s rich culture, innovation, and tradition, they indulged in the exquisite Austrian Potato Goulash, Apfelstrudel and Linzertorte. Sipping on the unique energy drink Red Bull and savouring internationally acclaimed dairy products from Woerle-Austria, attendees embarked on a culinary adventure like no other. The pavilion transformed into a vibrant celebration, unveiling the beauty of Austria in a remarkable showcase of diversity and excellence,” she added.

The Netherlands stall offered a diverse range of experiences, from showcasing a vibrant Pakistani bicycle painted with traditional truck art to indulging visitors with a taste of authentic Dutch Poffertjes and refreshing Lipton tea. The bicycle powered a panel of bulbs and showed visitors the difference in energy consumption between incandescent and LED bulbs.

French Ambassador Nicolas Galey said EuroVillage was an opportunity for us, Europeans, to come together around values and common challenges, beyond our differences, beyond the conflicts which marked our history.

“For this edition, the challenge of a sustainable future brings us together. But EuroVillage is also a convivial occasion to meet Pakistanis, to exchange on our respective cultural heritage,” he added.

The French pavilion showcased, amongst other things, the croissant - the flagship French pastry.

Ambassador Galey said: “As part of a global reflection aimed at promoting sustainable production methods, some bakers and pastry chefs in France are working on the croissant of tomorrow: use of organic flour, short distribution circuits, biodegradable packaging ... Hence, without losing its texture and its very particular taste, the croissant is evolving, to combine tasting pleasure, quality and sustainable development.”

The sunny, family-centric festival provided visitors with an afternoon of learning, interaction, and entertainment, from installations demonstrating the amount of single-use plastic a family goes through in a year and swings for children made by Tetra Pak Pakistan out of recycled packaging waste, to live musical performances by Pakistani artists including Farhan Saeed and Quratulain Balouch.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2024