The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is an international, governmental organization sanctioning and monitoring international exhibitions. Established in 1928, the headquarters of BIE is located in Paris and currently includes 98 nations.

World Expo

The World Expo is a global, non-commercial exposition, originally aimed at exhibiting the accomplishments of human beings in artwork and traditional craftwork. During its 150-year history, it has become the world wide summit for presenting scientific developments and technology as well as industrial technology. It is now the largest international exposition for exhibitors to show their achievements concerning economy, society and culture as well as science and technology. Moreover, every Expo also attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to its abundant performances and specially-designed buildings in addition to the exhibitions.

Usually, the World Expo is hosted by the government of a country, with participation by other countries and international organizations. In terms of the BIE's provision, there are two categories of exhibitions. One is the International Registered Exhibition, also called Comprehensive Exhibition. It is held every five years, lasting for six months. The other one is called the International Recognized Exhibition, also called Professional Exhibition. It is held after every other International Registered Exhibitions, lasting for 3 months.

World Expo Forum

The forum, used to select the theme of the Expo from different perspectives, is an important component of each World Expo. From 2003 to 2009, an international forum will be held every year by BIE and the Shanghai Municipal Government, around the theme - 'Better City, Better Life'. Each forum will be divided into three categories in terms of the attendees. They are high-end forums, theme forums and public forums.