2010-06-21 08:48

WUXI, Jiangsu - A science and technology forum inspired by Expo 2010 Shanghai opened in Wuxi on Sunday with a speech from Shanghai's mayor, who said that cities must harness scientific and technological innovations to solve urban problems.

"Technology is a crucial element in achieving a better city and a better life, the theme of Expo 2010 Shanghai," said Han Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, during the opening ceremony.

This is the third of six Expo-related forums held in cities close to Shanghai. With 800 participates, including more than 70 scientists from across the world, field experts and government officials, the two-day forum on Sunday and Monday features a conference, four discussion sessions and a round-table meeting.

The main discussions are on how science and technology will be linked to future urban development. These discussions focus on how to maintain urban security and sustainable development, while improving a city's competitiveness. Topics of applied experiences related to scientific and technological innovations at Expo 2010 Shanghai will also be discussed.

"Expo 2010 Shanghai exemplifies the spirit of openness and cooperation," said Luo Zhijun, governor of Jiangsu province. "This forum has provided a unique platform for promoting the development of cities in Jiangsu. We need to enhance the cooperation between China and abroad to raise cities' development standards."

Supachai Panitchpakdi, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, said: "Scientific and technological innovation are key to measuring a city's development."

Super-sized cities are a common problem in developing countries, with housing and environmental problems caused by huge populations, he said.

"Developing countries will require technology transfers and international cooperation. China and India have proven it is possible by making use of wind and solar energy," he said.

Making use of new and clean energy has fueled many discussions recently, and scientists and other experts are intent upon finding alternatives to the overuse of fossil fuels. Solar, wind and biomass energy are some of the most viable alternatives.

"Recycled and efficient utilization of resources is going to be the dominant development model in today's society," said Wan Gang, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and China's Minister of Science and Technology.

To achieve low-input, low-emission and efficient use of city resources and recycling of waste, knowledge-intensive services will be the main focus of city industries in the future, he said.

"Lots of new technologies applied at the Expo Garden have presented the possibility of urban development in the future," he said, giving examples of LED lights, radio-frequency identification (RFID) and new-energy vehicles.

Efficient use of energy is not the only concern of urban development. Some countries still face food shortages.

"We are fully prepared and willing to help other countries with food issues by growing hybrid rice," said Yuan Longping, director of the National Hybrid Rice organization.

Nobel laureates Tsung-Dao Lee and Barry J. Marshall gave speeches about how science applies to cities and life.

The last three of the Expo forums will be held in Nanjing, Shaoxing and Hangzhou.