Bureaus Exclusive

Expert compares Expo to United Nations

By Tang Zhihao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-11-05 10:59

Awni Behnam, who was the commissioner general of the UN Pavilion at Expo Garden, delivered a seminar to students at Shanghai's Fudan University on Wednesday to share some ideas on international communication and multi-lateral diplomacy.

Behnam explained to students UN's sequence and procedures of handling resolutions and conflict. Behnam is an expert on international communication who worked as principal officer and senior advisor to the secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) until 2004.

As a participant in the Expo, Behnam said, Expo is a valuable legacy for all countries and organizations in promoting international communication.

"Through the Expo, we have an international conference, raise questions and offer solutions to some problems," said Behnam.

Behnam has likened Shanghai Expo to a small UN that allows participants from more than 200 countries to communicate and share different understandings of cultures and ideas.

"The countries are provided space and time to present themselves. We have forums and we have a chance to talk to each other. It is like in the United Nations, where we have a dialogue culture, in this Expo we have dialogue about our future," said Behnam.

Behnam also shared ideas on some critical issues faced by the UN in recent years, such as possible reforms in the UN to maintain its authority in the world.