The purpose of practice lies in changing the world to meet the human demand.

The purpose of UBPA selection lies in demonstrational and educational functions.

The purpose of UBPA aims at showcasing the urban life progress and developing the Expo theme of "Better City, Better Life".

Active Candidate City Participation

It took almost one year and a half since the Urban Best Practice Area (UBPA) project was launched until the cases were evaluated and final results were announced. This project has attracted a great number of cities from the world to submit proposals and acquired tremendous support of the international communities. The related municipal governments also expressed their strong interests in taking part in the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. Quite a number of self-recommended UBPA cases were submitted and the related government officials visited the Bureau of Shanghai Expo Coordination for detailed discussion.  By 31 January 2008, the organizers had received 113 cases among which 106 cases were confirmed as effective proposals after internal evaluation and comprehensive communication with applicant cities.

The representatives from some international organizations such as the related agencies under UN, the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the member institution of the International Evaluation Panel, took time off their busy schedule to participate in three evaluation meetings and provide very valuable comments and some UBPA case information. Moreover, quite some cities have expressed their intention of constructing material UBPA cases though it is relatively costly and a number of excellent cases have been presented.

Why Is UBPA a Highlight?

The Expo Shanghai features two highlights, that is, UBPA and the Online World Expo. Why UBPA is a highlight lies in three aspects. Firstly, the UBPA not only develops the Expo theme of "Better City, Better Life" but also is a creative activity, unprecedented in the history of the World Expos. The UBPA project, a unique platform for the cities in the world to exchange and share with each other the development experiences, has provided the opportunity for them to participate in the Expo Shanghai independently. Secondly, the cities can participate in the Expo Shanghai in a different way from the participating nations and international organizations by self-recommendation and external evaluation and they have to define the field on display. Thirdly, the UBPA is not only the exhibition area, but also the exhibits. The integrated UBPA consisting of built-up environment factors such as buildings, open space and surrounding facilities acts as a simulated urban blocks, undoubtedly one of the most outstanding features in the Expo Park. The simulated urban blocks in northern UBPA is the pearl of the crown where the case buildings (or part), square, public space and environment facilities form a well dimensioned city block, giving the visitors intuitive experiences as if living there.

Practice Educates

Vicente Loscertales, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) believes that the paramount task of the World Expos is to educate the public, which is the reason why the Expo Shanghai launches the UBPA project. All the selected cases displayed in the UBPA are the actual practice in many cities, some of which have been universally recognized in a sense, having or being improving the urban life quality. Indeed, the real life practice talks.

The World Expos have become a carrier to educate the public on how to renovate and how to take the social responsibilities. The UBPA , an interesting, creative and dynamic platform to enhance the public awareness with social responsibilities, have sounded the bugle for a better, sustainable and more prosperous future.

The BIE has indicated that the UBPA is one of the most important projects in the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China. And all the subsequent World Expos in the future will also present the Best Practices for the visitors to have better experiences and the participants and organizers to share with each other.

This is the gist of the urban best practices.

This is the stage to immerse you in the real environment.