The second theme forum of the Shanghai World Expo opened in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province on Saturday, with scholars and officials discussing the value of a nation's cultural heritage along with urban regeneration.

The two-day forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the Executive Committee of Expo 2010 Shanghai China, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the government of Suzhou.

The forum has attracted about 800 participants from nearly 20 countries and regions as well as international organizations.

Participants to the forum include Deputy Director-General of UNESCO Hans d'Orville, Minister of Culture Cai Wu, and the French architect and designer of the National Center for the Performing Arts, Paul Andreu.

(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2010)