Achim Steiner, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, or UNEP, has accepted Shanghai's invitation to become the city's senior environmental adviser.

Steiner made the decision yesterday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya when he met Yang Xiong, a member of the Organizing Committee of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai, executive deputy director of the Executive Committee of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai and the city's vice mayor, who was in Kenya, promoting Expo 2010.

Yang, representing Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng, made the invitation to Steiner.

Steiner said UNEP was glad to expand its cooperation with Shanghai especially during the World Expo. He said UNEP could help to set up related environmental standards, provide technological support as well as solutions to possible problems.

Steiner said UNEP would also be helpful to the running of the Expo through its global network and offices around the world.

Yang thanked Steiner for agreeing to participate in Expo 2010 and invited him to visit Shangahi.