 United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Dr. Awni Behnam as Commissioner General for the organisation’s pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.
Mr. Ban said the appointment took into consideration Dr. Behnam’s distinguished career which he said puts him in good stead to be in charge of the pavilion during the event. “I trust that you will consider this challenging assignment which, I am sure, you would meet with distinction. Given your distinguished career with the United Nations for over 27 years and proven leadership in organizing large international events I am confident that your contribution to this endeavour will result in yet another successful participation of the United Nations in an international exposition,” the Secretary General said. In her message, the UN-HABITAT Executive Director Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka said: In the coming weeks UN-HABITAT will unveil the UN Shanghai website which will be able to provide more information and updates on the pavilion’s progress. A core team will also be formed to support the work of the Commissioner General for the preparation of the UN Pavilion.” The Shanghai World Expo 2010 on Better City, Better Life, is an international exposition that will take place from 1 May to 31 October 2010 in Shanghai, China. The Expo, which will cover over 5 square kilometers hopes to attract 70 million people to see the displays of exhibitors from over 200 countries from the public and private sectors, civil society, international organizations. It is expected to show initiatives for achieving better living conditions in urban environments – where over half of the world’s population lives The Government of China has invited the United Nations to demonstrate its work at Shanghai World Expo 2010 in a 3,000 square meter pavilion. The United Nations Pavilion will show the results of its activities, policies, best practices and partnerships towards the achievement of sustainable cities. As the lead agency in the United Systems for sustainable urban development, UN-HABITAT will coordinate participation of the United Nations system in the Shanghai Expo 2010. |
