A forum on the theme of "World Expo and Public Participation", sponsored by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of Shanghai and organized by the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination and Committee of Friendship with Foreign Countries of CPPCC of Shanghai, was held on October 18. Jiang Yiren, Chairman of CPPCC of Shanghai, addressed the forum. Yang Xiong, Member of World Expo Shanghai 2010 Organizing Committee, Executive Deputy Director of World Expo Shanghai 2010 Executive Committee, and Vice Mayor of Shanghai, delivered a speech. CPPCC of Shanghai Vice Chairman Wang Ronghua presided over the forum.

"We relied on public participation to win the bid for World Expo 2010," Jiang Yiren said,"and now we need more public support for hosting it." He advocated mobilizing more citizens and public figures from all circles to participate in World Expo work, as a vibrant expression of lasting popular preferences. The participation of the public will be the foundation of hosting a "successful, splendid and memorable" Expo 2010. The next preparations of the World Expo will be vital and theme development is important to hosting a successful Expo, Jiang said, and contributions can come not only from experts and experienced scholars, but also from the general public. He encouraged the active participation of more people and asked for the mobilization and training of a huge volunteer team.

Yang Xiong said that the World Expo is an enormous project that will require mobilizing all walks of life and will attract all circles to participate in an all-round way through the entire process so as to improve its quality. At the same time, during the period of the World Expo2010, Shanghai is estimated to greet 70 million visitors. The active participation of social organizations and the public is needed to ensure urban management. Active public participation in the Expo can help improve the city's social environment and encourage a civilized hosting of the Expo.