There are only a few days to go when Shanghai Expo will be inaugurated. Shanghai Expo will focus on the theme “Better City, Better Life”. For its 6 months from May 1 to October 31, it will serve as an important platform for the whole world to display their latest achievements of human civilization.
There is no doubt that Shanghai Expo will create several new records in the history of the World Expo.
Shanghai Expo, first of all, will be the first registered World Expo in a developing country. It will be also the second largest international gathering hosted by China after Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Around 242 nations and international organizations had officially confirmed their participation in Shanghai Expo. It will attract more than 70 million visitors from across the world. Up to now, 42 self–built pavilions from participating parties have been completed. 53 countries from Africa will take part in the event, being the largest number of African countries ever at an World Expo. Leading figures from 106 nations are expected to attend the opening ceremony of Shanghai Expo. It is sure to be a grand world-wide reunion with the widest possible participation ever since.
Secondly, the Expo is the first World Expo with the subject of urban life. In the 21st century, we are entering an era of urban development. As global urbanlization is speeding up, each city is facing lots of troubles and challenges such as population enlargement, heavy traffic, environmental pollution, insufficient resources and cultural diversity. The international community has responded to the theme of “Better City, Better Life” with great enthusiasm. The participants will display urban civilization to the full extent, exchange experiences of urban development, disseminate advanced notions on cities and explore new approach to human habitat, lifestyle and working conditions. They will learn how to create a better life for billions of citizens all over the world and maintain the sustainable development of human beings.
Thirdly, series of fantastic shows and events will be presented during the Expo. There will be a summit forum, 6 theme forums, 188 national pavilion days and 39 honor days for international organizations. Over 100 cultural gala shows will be held daily, reaching the number of 2000 in total.
Egyptian government attaches great importance to participate in Shanghai Expo. Egypt Pavilion has been set up in Shanghai, total area being approximately 1500 square meters. The three historic cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Luxor have been chosen to display their achievements in economic, tourism, cultural, scientific and urban planning development at a special event at Urban Best Practices Area. This event will also illustrate Egypt’s experiences of historical relics preservation at home and reclaiming overseas. Chinese government highly appreciates Egypt’s positive participation in Shanghai Expo. Egypt Pavilion will bring Chinese people and visitors from across the world much closer to Egyptian culture, and deepen mutual friendship and cooperation between China and Egypt as well.
Hosting World Expo for the first time, China will offer a wonderful opportunity for cross-culture dialogues and exchanges. China, as a fast-developing country with a responsible attitude, will deliver to the entire world a fresh vista through Shanghai Expo. I cordially welcome Egyptian friends to visit Shanghai Expo, where we will witness a successful, spectacular and unforgettable World Expo altogether.
*Article by H.E. Ambassador Wu Chunhua to Egyptian Gazette on April 28,2010