By regarding the cities as clusters of independent entities instead of huge single units, pump manufacturer Grundfos intends to contribute to energy-saving water handling and waste water solutions. Decentralisation means more flexibility and less vulnerability in the mega cities.

Construction work of the Danish EXPO pavilion in Shanghai has officially been started. On Friday 15 May, the ground-breaking ceremony took place, and the caterpillar machines are now moving in.

World-famous Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has been appointed to create the installation that will replace the Little Mermaid while the fairytale statue is in China during EXPO 2010 Shanghai.

On May 5, the National Committee behind Denmark’s participation in EXPO 2010 Shanghai convened for the second time. As chairman of the committee, HRH The Crown Prince headed the table.

The recruitment of trainees for the Danish pavilion and for Odense’s exhibition at the ‘Urban Best Practice Area’ in Shanghai has started. The EXPO Secretariat intends to hire approx. 30 trainees for the national pavilion, and Odense another 10 trainees. So far, interest has been considerable.

A group of Chinese media representatives have taken a round trip to visit the national partners participating in the Danish EXPO 2010. The initiative has ensured that articles and news items about Danish competences within architecture, design and sustainability have found their way into the Chinese media.

On 20 May, Uruguay signed a participation contract for the 2010 EXPO.

Thanks to financial assistance of US$100 million from the Chinese government, the largest number of African countries ever will be participating in the Shanghai EXPO.

Sweden has unveiled the design of its pavilion for EXPO 2010 Shanghai.