格哈德施罗德：期待中国，期待上海

在当前全球化时代，中国对我们的世界来说至关重要，在不久的将来，将崛起为重要的经济和政治上的贡献者，并将成为践行其和平、公正和发展的国际责任的现代国家。在全球和平发展方面，中国发挥着必不可少的作用。没有中国，任何国际冲突与挑战都不可能获得解决。

世界在期盼着中国2010年上海世博会的开幕。预计观众将达7000万人次，人数令人惊叹。世博会的主题“城市，让生活更美好”不仅非常有意义，而且很重要。全球各地的国家和地区都面临城市化的挑战。

我们如何应对这一挑战？我们应该保持和改善不断增加的城市人口的生活质量。因此，我们需要寻求一种可持续的政策，精心使用可用资源，如水、空气和土壤，使我们较少地依赖化石燃料。只有当我们依赖更高的能效，在全球范围内使用可再生资源，这一切才有可能。

毫无疑问，中国将呈现给世界一个成功和难忘的世博会。我确信：上海将成为世界各地客人的热情东道主。

Gerhard Schroeder, born in 1944, was the Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005. As a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany, he led a coalition government with the Greens. Before becoming a full-time politician, he was a lawyer. He visited China a number of times while serving as Chancellor.

In the current era of globalization, China is of vital importance for our world. It is emerging as a major economic and political player and as a modern country that lives up to its international responsibilities for peace, justice and development. When it comes to peaceful global development, China has a vital role to play. No international conflicts or challenges can be resolved without China.

The world is looking forward to the start of World Expo Shanghai in 2010. The Expo’s theme “Better City, Better Life” is interesting and relevant. Countries and regions all over the world face the challenge of urbanization. How can we respond to this challenge?

We should maintain and improve the quality of life for a rising number of urban citizens. Therefore, we need to pursue a sustainable policy that will make careful use of available resources such as water, air and soil, and make us less dependent on fossil fuels. This will only be possible if we rely on greater energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources worldwide.

There is no doubt that China will present to the world a successful and unforgettable exposition. I am convinced Shanghai will be a great host to guests from all over the world.