A photographic exhibition about Expo 2010 was unveiled at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in the evening of Oct. 6 local time as part of organizers’ overseas promotional drive. The exhibition on pictures of Expo Shanghai and UN was jointly held by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the UN and Shanghai International Culture Association. H.E. Ambassador Zhang Yesui, Permanent Representative of China to the UN, Akasaka Kiyotak, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, Zhong Yanqun, Standing Deputy Director of the Shanghai Expo Executive Committee attended the opening ceremony. Sha Zukang, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Economics and Social affairs, H.E. Ambassador Liu Zhenmin, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN were also present, together with more than 200 UN ambassadors and employees.

Zhang Yesui said that the show featured a virtual tour of the Expo site as well as boards and pictures regarding the UN’s participation in past Expos. The exhibition was rich in content with clear explanation of “Better City, Better Life”, and would enhance visitors’ understanding and knowledge of Shanghai and the 2010 event.

The opening of the exhibition coincided with World Habitat Day. This year’s theme of “Harmonious Cities” also embodied the concept “Better City, Better Life,” said Akasaka Kiyotak. He extended best wishes for the 2010 event, at which more than 20 UN agencies would be represented.

Zhong Yanqun briefed UN officials on the latest progress in Expo 2010 preparation and noted that the event would provide a platform for discussions on how urban construction and development would contribute to a better lifestyle. She also invited all attendees to visit Expo 2010 on behalf of the Executive Committee of Expo Shanghai.

Held from Oct. 6 to17, in the South Hall of the building of UN Secretariat, the exhibition was a major step for Expo 2010 overseas promotion and had drawn large amount of audiences. Visitors spent most time on films of future Expo site and boards section on Expo and UN, some said that Expo 2010 was another large international event after the Beijing Olympics and they had great anticipation to that.