After 160 years, the World Expo has, for the first time, been organized in a developing country.
Walking through the beautifully designed pavilions in Shanghai, it is easy to get dazzled by the various art forms and cultures on display.
Yet, in my opinion, the best theme of this grand show is "development".
First, development that leads to progress has put the world's poor center-stage
More than 100 years ago, China could merely display traditional artifacts and agricultural products, such as tea, silk and porcelain.
They were viewed as nothing more than exotic curios by the Westerners.
The Chinese who participated then were overawed when they saw the steam engine, light bulb and other ground breaking inventions that ushered in a period of industrialization and changed the world forever.
Today, China and other developing countries participating at the Expo are showcasing not only their unique cultures but also modern technologies.
The Shanghai Expo has seen more developing countries participating than ever before. The China Pavilion and Africa Joint Pavilion vividly represent the all-round progress of developing countries.
When I saw that, Deng Xiaoping's famous words came to mind - "Development is the top priority".
Over the past decades, China's commitment to economic development brought it to the forefront globally. Other developing countries too have followed that mantra.
Tourists now have an opportunity to understand our colorful and diversified world, to pay more attention to the needs of developing countries and realize how closely we have been following in the world's footsteps.
Second, development for innovation indicates that the old is giving way to the new.
"Everything starts at the Expo" - this motto is a pointer to how the Expo thrives.
Since 1851, when the first Expo was held in the Crystal Palace in London, mankind has never faltered in innovation.
Every exhibit at the Expo has contributed to mankind's development.
Besides, increasing attention has been paid to issues related to social development. The themes of various Expos, ranging from "Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment" of the first, to "Better City, Better Life" of the latest clearly illustrate peoples' understanding of development.
The Shanghai Expo is taking place at a time when the world is faced with the challenge of finding new models for development after the global financial crisis.
The Expo has given people across the world a forum to explore a healthier path, so that similar crises will not strangle it in the future.
Focusing on life in the city gives people a valuable opportunity to think deeply about the sustainable and harmonious development of future cities.
Historically, the Expo has offered a better development opportunity to the host nation. Asian hosts, such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, accelerated their processes of economic transformation after holding World Expos.
At the Expo Axis, which is the main entrance to the Shanghai Expo site, the six cone-shaped giant "Sun Valleys" are the most striking feature.
As the name suggests, these steel structures are where sunlight is absorbed and distributed underground, thus saving energy for artificial lighting.
Other new green technologies have also sprung up, such as the ground source heat pump system and the rainwater self-cleaning system. All these environment-friendly examples have shown that China has focused on green development for further progress.
Third, development for harmony calls for an open heart and mind.
A closed heart hinders forward movement. When people see differences, it is important to open your heart. The World Expo has long served as a platform for people of different countries to exchange ideas about life and development.
All of them, no matter whether they are from the East or the West, should open their hearts and talk to each other regardless of culture, religion or race.
Over 100 years ago, Helen Keller noted that the World Expo had greatly added to her knowledge.
In this all-inclusive classroom, everyone has a chance to learn something.
While the Beijing Olympics brought China to the world, the Shanghai Expo has brought the world to China.
Closer contact with other cultures, lives and modern technologies, would enable Chinese to expand their horizons.
As an emerging economy that is rapidly industrializing and urbanizing, China needs to be more open, tolerant, and modest.
This Expo offers an invaluable occasion during which China can learn more from, and cooperate even deeper, with the outside world.
In an era of rapid globalization, countries have become more interdependent than ever before. Common challenges have bound the whole world together.
It is all the more important that people carry forward the spirit of the Expo: Understanding, communication, and cooperation.
The world is not free of problems, but as long as we are less prejudiced, show more tolerance, and recognize the fact that all countries are on the same boat, we will find the right path for development and induce a harmonious and prosperous future.
(China Daily 05/14/2010 page8)