Representatives of past Expos and the unfolding Expo 2012 intervened on the issue of the lasting impact and legacy of Expos.

Vicente G. Loscertales, Secretary General of the BIE, referred to Expos as "catalysts for local development that bring tangible and intangible advantages to the host city and country". Whether we refer to the transformational legacy, the knowledge legacy or the cultural legacy of Expos, their heritage is as diverse as the domains affected by them.

Mr. Hong Hao, Secretary General of Shanghai Municipal Government, stressed that "Shanghai initiated the concept of a harmonious city and strived to convert intangible resources for the Expo to new strengths dedicated to economic and social development by learning and applying Expo's outstanding results in an innovative way.

Mr. Toshio Nakamura, former Secretary General of World Expo Aichi 2005, spoke in his intervention on the impact and influence of Osaka Expo '70 and Aichi Expo 2005 on Japanese society and culture. He presented the concrete measures taken at Expo 2005 to make it a success, and the activities and projects which continue and develop the basic philosophy of Aichi Expo.

Mr. Kim Chung-seog, Mayor of Yeosu, indicated that Expo 2012 greatly contributed to improving transportation and tourism infrastructure and has played a decisive role in promoting the city at home and abroad.

The symposium gathered 130 participants, among which many representatives of participating countries to Expo 2012.

The World Expo Museum, which will become one of the legacies of World Expo Shanghai 2010, will cover an area of 40,000 square metres and will be completed by 2015.