Back in 2010, Shanghai was a scene of jubilation because of the World Expo 2010, and many people got to know a bearded Spanish man called Vicente G. Loscertales, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). Eight years later, at the World Expo Museum on the former site of the Expo 2010 Puxi Area, Mr. Loscertales came back to Shanghai again.

Now in his 70s, he is full of spirits while wearing a suit, but his eyes were filled with time-felt emotion when he walked onto the podium to deliver a speech.

Founded in 2017, the World Expo Museum in Shanghai is very young. But China’s history with World Expos dates back to many years ago. China became a member of the BIE in 1993, one year before Mr. Loscertales became Secretary General. Since then, he has maintanined a connection with Shanghai and China.

(Vicente G. Loscertales in his office at the World Expo Museum. Photo by Fan Yicheng)