Statement of the United Nations Commissioner-General on the start of the Expo countdown

It is with great pleasure that I mark the start of the one-year countdown to the 2010 World Expo. As the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Pavilion, I would like to use this occasion to reiterate the commitment of the United Nations family to participate in the international dialogue on Better City, Better Life, known throughout the globe as the Shanghai World Expo.

The 2010 World Expo represents a unique opportunity for the United Nations and its partners to showcase its work to an audience of millions. Our vision is that of a sustainable urban world that harnesses potentials and possibilities, mitigates inequalities and disparities, and provides meaningful spaces of participation to all urban actors. We hope to bring this vision to life at the United Nations Pavilion and invite you to join us in counting down the days to the Expo.

Mr. Awni Behnam
Commissioner-General
United Nations Pavilion
Expo 2010 Shanghai