The city of Shanghai, a member of Metropolis, will host the 2010 World Expo from 1 May to 31 October 2010 under the theme "Better City, Better Life".

The Expo will have a space dedicated to good urban practices, called the Urban Best Practice Area (UB-PA). Over forty local authorities from around the world have been chosen to be present at Shanghai, of which thirteen are members of our Association. The cities should present the way they are integrating problems of sustainable development into their technical, social, esthetic, cultural and economic options. The presentation of good urban practices in terms of sustainable development has been a focus of the reflections, exchanges and events Metropolis has been carrying out for a number of years.

17th and 18th June 2010: CISCO and Partnership for Urban Innovation Events

During the World Expo, Shanghai 2010, Metropolis, Cisco and The Climate Group will host a two day conference for thought leaders from cities, business, academia, and urban planning. The Partnership for Urban Innovation: Global Conference 2010 on 17-18 June will provide policy, program and technology leadership perspectives from across the world.

The objectives of the conference are; 1) recognize leading cities for their efforts in addressing sustainable development, 2) discuss challenges cities are facing and solutions they are developing at the intersection of environmental sustainability, economic development, and social inclusion, and 3) establish a global community of collaboration.

Day one of the conference will explore key policy areas and leading innovation programs across the themes of; urban design and networked development, the business case for sustainability, urban mobility, economic growth, and the social life of cities. Day two will provide a tour of the Expo pavilions from Cisco, Metropolis city members, and others providing innovative technology showcases for 21^st Century cities.

In addition, many activities are also being organized throughout the summer by the thirteen Metropolis member cities with pavilions at World Expo, Shanghai 2010.

12th to 16th July 2010: Events in the Île-de-France Pavilion

A pavilion set up in collaboration with the city of Paris and the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the theme "A River, a Territory, a Lifestyle" will be the site for the Paris Île-de-France region to organize a week of congresses on the future of sustainable cities. Three main issues will be addressed: strategy and governance; urban innovation and technology, and the assessment of urban heritage.

The round table discussions will bring together experts and elected officials from different local authorities to discuss specific urban issues, some of which are already being addressed through projects of the Metropolis Commissions. Of note will be the drafting of the Declaration of Shanghai. It is also expected that Commission 1 (Eco-Regions) will, together with the FAO, meet in Shanghai the same week, and Metropolis members are invited to take part in the conference entitled "Strategy and Governance of Territorial Development". For further information, please see: www.paris-idf-shanghai2010.com