World Celebrities Talk About Expo (Thirty-Five)

Jody Orivo, mayor of Barcelona, Spain

In 2008, China hosted the Beijing Olympic Games, which was amazing to the world with its extraordinary organizational capabilities.

In 2010, people will once again witness that China has the same resources and capabilities to ensure the success of World Expo and make Shanghai the focus of the whole world from May 1st to October 31st.

Barcelona and Shanghai both have rich and long history and distinctive cultural, social, economic and urban development experiences.

As a busy port and foreign trade and foreign exchange center, these two coastal cities have been making use of their unique status for centuries, constantly shaping the enthusiasm and enthusiasm of the citizens and inject vitality into the international development of the city.

It is for this reason that we have first-hand experience in hosting an international event that will bring about a social, economic and cultural impact on a city, and we also have a deep understanding of its international significance.

Far from mentioning, only the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games is enough to show that for a city, holding a large-scale international event, both in the long run and in the short term, may lead to immeasurable changes and progress.

There is no doubt that Shanghai will make great achievements and promotion from this World Expo, and move towards a grand goal of becoming a modern city with vision, innovation and commitment to improving people's lives.

The exhibition is a very special occasion where people can conduct extensive exchanges, study, experiment, participation and cooperation to jointly promote the innovation and evolution of human civilization.

As a platform for rapid pformation and a leader in urban development, Shanghai has many places to share with the rest of the world.

Barcelona appreciates the creative theme of "Better City, better life" launched by World Expo in 2010 in Shanghai.

As a result, the role of cities and their role in improving the quality of people's lives will be the focus of the global public for the first time.

We are delighted that World Expo has been able to highlight the importance of the city in 2010 and affirmed the potential and unique status of the city in dealing with all aspects of its own structure and development, which have now become the primary concern of the global public.

It is precisely because there are many forerunners who not only experience directly and profoundly understand the problems and challenges faced by mankind in the twenty-first Century, but also play a key role in the exploration of sustainable development.

The Urban Best Practices Area in World Expo, Shanghai, is also an ingenious idea: people have selected some of the best cases from global cities, and their experience will greatly promote the urban renewal of ideas and the creation of high-quality urban environments.

People can see more clearly that all the challenges that the world faces together needs practically everyone to start from the side and gather strength from all sides to get effective responses.

There are two cases in Barcelona which are initially selected for the "best practices area".

A case named "Poblenou-22@Barcelona" is the successful pformation of the old industrial zone in the old industrial area.

There are the most dynamic companies and R & D, training and technology exchange centers, and a large number of residential buildings, living facilities and green areas are among them.

The final case was the restored Ciutat Vella.

The biggest advantage of the city lies in the fact that the economic development and quality of life in the urban area are compatible with the protection and renovation of the old city.

In addition, there are many examples of how Barcelona is committed to promoting social solidarity and improving public life.

We sincerely hope that other cities will share these valuable experiences with us.

Barcelona is not proud to be able to participate in World Expo in 2010 and to create a better world with all the participants in Shanghai and World Expo.

As a sister city in Shanghai since 2001, we wish Shanghai a successful international event.

We firmly believe that Shanghai can easily surpass, making this World Expo the most beautiful page in the history of World Expo.