ZAITSEVA LARISA I.

The article reviews the World Expo 2020, which opened in October 2021 in Dubai (UAE) and became the largest exhibition in its 150-year history, in the context of reconsidering the particularities of public administration in modern conditions. The Expo 2020 aims to set priorities for the development of states, considering global trends and the national identity of each country. The essencial aspects presented in the states’ pavilions, representing national development priorities, are supplemented by non-standard architectural solutions, making it possible to experience the space differently and understand the features of «smart» buildings. The significance of the World Expo is also expressed by the opportunity to realize the role and functions of each particular state in achieving priority development goals. By setting ambitious goals and new tasks, Expo 2020 predetermines further systemic activities and defines the direction of public administration in the new realities to create a sustainable and prosperous future. Upon completion, the World Expo will become an ecosystem of innovation, another example of ongoing development, the capitalization of resources, and a significant increase in the project’s economic efficiency.

The use of more compliant and least conflicting ways to resolve differences in the implementation of state projects, especially in the public sector, is due to a systematic increase in the number of economic disputes, as well as initiated bankruptcy procedures for construction companies in the absence of prospects for financial recovery. The scale of the problems that characterize the investment and construction activity dictates the need for stricter government measures, including in the area of legislative initiative. In addition to that, the development of mediation, in its traditional sense, is also not sufficient in current conditions. In this context, we should take into account the experience of foreign countries. They also faced a crisis in the construction industry and adopted special legislation aimed at supporting small and medium-sized construction companies; they introduced such dispute resolution methods as an institution of specialized Commissions that are created at the initial stage and supervise the project performing a preventive function. The specific focus on investment and construction activity is explained by its significant distinctive features: increased riskiness, low-profit income, systematic disagreements of different ranges, the involvement of the public law element, high probability of conflict of interest. In order to develop the concept of non-judicial dispute resolution mechanisms, arising in the course of project implementation, the article explores the following aspects: competence and special qualifications of persons involved in relevant procedures (beyond the scope of mediation practices), organization of a specialized body dealing with dispute resolution, and conception of legislation.