Vicente Loscertales, secretary general of the International Expositions Bureau (BIE), delivers a lecture [en.expo2010]

Vicente Loscertales, secretary general of the International Expositions Bureau (BIE), November 10 delivered a lecture at Fudan University about which role Expo can play in urban development in the 21st century, the benefits Expo creates, BIE's function, the international community's expectations for the Shanghai 2010 World Expo and what legacy the Expo will leave to the world.

World Expo is a dialogue pooling international wisdom to discuss the development of mankind and address common challenges confronting the world, Loscertales said. It is also a strong aid in the master plan of cities, a big platform for culture, a strong national project and a strong driver of national and local identity, Loscertales said.

Expo is the only event that targets such a large number of normal citizens to learn and enjoy, and it represents a common will of working together for the future, he said.

Only with the cooperation of citizens worldwide can problems be solved, Loscertales said. "Countries gather not only for exchange, but also to know each other better," he said.

He said Expo creates a sense of interaction as Expo is not an event limited to TV and residents can be participants. "Innovation lies in the life of common citizens, and solutions for common challenges also depend on citizens, instead of governments or organizations," he said.

"We expect this Expo to be the best Expo ever and pavilions to have a strong content in line with the theme."

He also encouraged students to apply to be volunteers, who will play a very important role in promoting the Expo, and provide guidance for visitors about the host country's culture and city features.