Mr Hong Hao, an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China, deputy director of the Standing Committee of the 14th Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, former chairman and party secretary of the Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions and chairman of the World Expo Museum Council, passed away on December 19, 2023 in Shanghai due to ineffective treatment for illness.

　　After learning of the message of Mr Hong Hao, BIE Secretary General DimitriKerkentzes sent a message of condolence to the family of Mr Hong Hao, expressing his deepest condolences on behalf of the BIE and himself.

　　Secretary General Kerkentzes expressed in message of condolences, his outgoing personality, ability to connect easily with people andcompetence in dealing with difficult situations efficiently, left an indelibleimpression on me and the representatives of participating countries with whomwe worked on a day-to-day basis. Mr Hong Hao was committed to ensuring a strong legacy of the Shanghai Expo and he played a pivotal role in the establishment of World Cities Day. He will most notably be remembered for the World Expo Museum and the BIE and Expo community remain indebted to him for its success. His contribution to our organisation is immeasurable.

　　After the pass away of Mr Hong Hao, the Chinese and foreign governing units and members of the World Expo Museum Council expressed concern, condolences and deep condolences in various ways.