The themes of the Exposition shall be „Better City, Better Life”.

The city gave birth to innovative ideas, technological revolutions. In many Western languages, the word „civilization” derives directly from the Latin word „civitas”, which means „city”. The theme of the EXPO 2010, similarly as themes of prior EXPO exhibitions, indicates a need for a lasting and sustainable connection between development of civilization and respect for the laws of nature. The idea of the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai is harmony between humanity and nature, the past and the future, being a starting point for creation of sustainable city development. It is already a very serious problem, not only in China, where in seven cities the number of inhabitants exceeds 10 million, but also in Japan, Brazil, Mexico, India and many other countries.

The theme of the EXPO 2010 has also a meaningful historical context. The city has always played a significant role in perfecting the order of public life, harmonious coexistence of cultures and increasing of welfare. It created an opportunity for a safer and more comfortable life. China, as one of the ancient civilizations, relatively early developed urban culture. A considerable number of cities in China have a history of more than a 1000 years.

Currently, due to violent development, the city is facing increasing problems, such as: space deficit, cultural conflicts, water and energy deficits, degradation of environment, air pollution, noise, commuting problems, social problems (crime, psychological problems of inhabitants). In developing countries, cities are growing chaotically, without any urban planning, consuming rural areas and attracting rural population, which massively inhabits poverty districts.

Organizers of the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai therefore wish to emphasize the fact that unless effective actions are taken, uncontrolled development of cities shall aggravate these problems, resulting in serious degradation of quality of urban life. Presentation of solutions for the threats, following from violent and uncontrolled development of large agglomerations, but primarily a global attempt of development of solutions, which could prevent this, based on both innovative ideas, and on experience of creators of city enclaves from various continents – is the main task faced by the organizers and participants of the World EXPO 2010.

The Chinese organizers of the EXPO 2010 hope that this Exhibition would contribute to the finding of such solutions based on harmony between people, social groups, man and the skies, body and soul, technology and nature, in line with the UN declaration of Istanbul pronouncing that „As we move into the twenty-first century, we offer a positive vision of sustainable human settlements, a sense of hope for our common future and an exhortation to join a truly worthwhile and engaging challenge, that of building together a world where everyone can live in a safe home with the promise of a decent life of dignity, good health, safety, happiness and hope”.