Preamble

World Expositions are galleries of human inspirations and thoughts. Since 1851 when the Great Exhibition of Industries of All Nations was held in London, the World Expositions have attained increasing prominence as grand events for economic, scientific, technological and cultural exchanges, serving as an important platform for displaying historical experience, exchanging innovative ideas, demonstrating esprit de corps and looking to the future.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China will be a great event to explore the full potentials of urban life in the 21^st century and a significant period in urban evolution. It is expected that 55 percent of the world population will be living in cities by the year 2010. The prospect of the future urban life, a subject of global interest, concerns all nations, developed or less developed, and their peoples. Being the first World Exposition on the theme of city, the Exposition 2010 will attract governments and peoples across the world who, focusing on the theme “Better City, Better Life” during its 184 days’ run, will display to the full extent the urban civilization, exchange their experience of urban development, disseminate advanced notions on cities and explore new approaches to human habitat, life style and working conditions in the new century and learn how to create an eco-friendly society and maintain the sustainable development of human beings.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China will be centered on innovation and interaction. Innovation is the soul while cultural interaction is an important mission of the World Expositions. In the new era, Expo 2010 Shanghai China will contribute to human-centered development, scientific and technological innovation, cultural diversity, win-win cooperation for a better future, thus composing a melody with the key notes of highlighting innovation and interaction in the new century.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China will also be a grand international gathering. On the one hand, we shall endeavor to attract about 200 nations and international organizations to take part in the exhibition as well as 70 million visitors from home and abroad, ensuring the widest possible participation in the history of the World Expositions. On the other hand, we will put Expo 2010 Shanghai China in a global perspective and do our best to encourage the participation and gain the understanding and support of various countries and peoples, in order to turn Expo 2010 Shanghai China into a happy reunion of peoples from all over the world.

In addition, Expo 2010 Shanghai China will offer a wonderful opportunity for cross-culture dialogues. Before the conclusion of the Exposition, “Shanghai Declaration” will be issued. This declaration, hopefully a milestone in the history of the World Expositions, will epitomize the insights to be offered by the participants and embody people’s ideas for future cooperation and development and extensive common aspirations, thereby leaving a rich spiritual legacy of urban development to the people throughout the world.

The Chinese Government will go to great lengths to make Expo 2010 Shanghai China a special event that carries on traditions and opens a new vista into the future. “Keeping in mind the next 60 years’ development while preparing for the 6 months’ exposition”?that is our motto. We count on the continuing attention, support and participation of all the peace-loving countries.