Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of Expo 2010 Shanghai China Summit Forum held in Shanghai, China, Oct. 31, 2010.

Wen said, under the theme of "Better City, Better Life", the Expo has put on display the splendid achievements of contemporary civilizations, pooled human wisdom in exploring the path of urban development, set many Expo-related records, and added a glorious chapter to the Expo history. Expo 2010 Shanghai has been a successful, splendid and unforgettable event. "On behalf of the Chinese government, I wish to express heartfelt gratitude and pay high tribute to all the comrades and friends who have participated in, supported and contributed to the Shanghai Expo."

Wen said, Expo 2010 Shanghai is an eye-opening event, showcasing the best material achievements of human civilizations. It will also leave behind a rich spiritual legacy and a constant source of inspiration. It has promoted a new approach to development, i.e., green environment-friendly and low-carbon development. It is convincing proof that scientific and technological revolution is a strong driving force behind social progress. It is a vivid demonstration of the diversity of human civilizations. It has fully demonstrated that equality and harmony is the common aspiration of mankind.

Wen pointed out, the Shanghai Expo has showcased the progress of human society, and also reflected the challenges, concerns and confusions that mankind faces. The Expo spirit means that we must all work together to meet challenges and pursue peace and development. We should jointly promote harmonious urban development and advance modernization in the rural areas. We should help the less developed regions achieve common development. We should cherish and take good care of mother Earth and jointly build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Wen said, the success of the Expo has strengthened China's confidence and resolve to pursue reform and opening-up. China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, openness and inclusiveness, learn the splendid achievements of all civilizations, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries and make greater contribution to the progress of human civilization.

Lastly Wen said, the Shanghai Expo is coming to a close, and you will leave Shanghai and return to your home countries. You came with the pride of your individual countries, and you will leave with the splendor of the whole world. The cultural spirit of the World Expo will live on and its stories will be told for years to come. I sincerely hope that the Expo 2010 Shanghai China has been a memorable experience for you all. May the Expo spirit thrive across the world, and may our world be an even better place.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Secretary General Vicente Loscertales of the International Expositions Bureau (BIE) expressed congratulations on the success of the Shanghai World Expo in their addresses. They said the Shanghai Expo has been a splendid historical event. It has reflected spirit of unity, cooperation, and openness. It has showcased the wonderful diverse cultures in the world. It has also displayed green, environmentally friendly, and low carbon development as well as the technological and scientific achievements. It has not only enlightened and inspired more than 70 million visitors and but also brought the people of the world hope to pursue a better life and confidence to meet challenges and left them unforgettable impressions. China is in the forefront of the world in terms of urban development and green economy. The international community is willing to enhance cooperation with China to jointly promote sustainable development of the global economy and build a better world.

The opening ceremony was moderated by Yu Zhengsheng, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and attended by Vice Premier Wang Qishan of the State Council, Vice Chairman Lu Yongxiang of NPC Standing Committee, State Councilor and State Council Secretary-General Ma Kai, State Councilor Meng Jianzhu, Vice Chairman Wan Gang of CPPCC and other officials.

Foreign guests attending the opening ceremony include President Yadav of Nepal, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bahamas Prime Minister Ingrahm, Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi of Finland, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhehle, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and others.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China Summit Forum is hosted by the Organizing Committee of the Shanghai World Expo, the United Nations, and the International Exhibitions Bureau. The theme is "Urban Innovation and Sustainable Development".

After the opening ceremony, Premier Wen visited China Pavilion, South Africa Pavilion, India Pavilion and the UK Pavilion with great interest. He also had cordial exchanges with visitors and the staff.

The forum was attended by the heads of state and government of some countries, domestic and foreign mayors, representatives of international organizations, experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, women and youth representatives, media representatives and others.