Ellen J. Kullman is president, Chair of the Board & Chief Executive Officer of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. (DuPont) and a former director of General Motors. She also formerly served as a member of Shanghai’s International Business Leaders’Advisory Council.
At the 18-day countdown to the World Expo 2010 Shanghai in May, DuPont salutes everyone who has been contributing to the preparations for this historic event. I am sure that Shanghai will present the world a wonderful Expo during this grand gathering of world cultures.
Back in December 2002, Shanghai was selected to host the 2010 World Expo. Many people may still recall the exciting moment, and during the past eight years of preparation and planning, Shanghai has made solid and remarkable progress in the areas such as park planning, construction, new energy use, environmental protection, ground transportation, safety and health, and display technology.
Today, in the World Expo park, buildings and pavilions showcasing harmonious coexistence between people, their cities, cultures and mother nature have sprung up one after another. As a member of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council (IBLAC) for the Mayor of Shanghai back in 2003, DuPont recommended that Shanghai leverage the Expo to promote science and innovations among its businesses and citizens.
What better way to do that than with the theme: "Better City, Better Life," which represents the common wish for all people everywhere to have better, safer living in future urban environment?
Sustainable growth is our mission at DuPont. In pursuit of that mission, we strive to be the world's most dynamic science company, creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. As a market-driven science company, we listen to customers and respond with innovative products that meet real human needs sustainably. We continue to invest in R&D programs to deliver low-carbon energy alternatives and products based on renewable resources.
The demand for products with environmental and energy benefits are strong across the industries DuPont serves, even with the current economic conditions. Government action, policies and stimulus programs are accelerating this trend. Additionally, global forums such as the World Expos are a great way to explore the full potentials of urban life and sustainable living.
Since its launch in 1851, World Expo has been the stage for new technologies, new products and new materials. For example, Paris' landmark Eiffel Tower pushed the development of skyscrapers when it was first introduced at the World Expo in 1889. Additionally, both the telephone and airplane were first introduced at the World Expo in their times. In the 1939 World's Fair "Build the World of Tomorrow" in New York, DuPont put science on exhibit to inspire visitors with the "Wonder World of Chemistry" showcasing our company's intent to use science to improve lives.
And so the sharing of scientific discoveries continues through the World Expos. Today, centered on innovation and interaction, World Expo 2010 Shanghai, with participation of 200 countries, will offer a wonderful opportunity for meaningful cross-culture dialogues. What a great opportunity to learn from one another how to respond to major issues facing our people and our planet.
It's no doubt that innovations presented at previous World Expos have improved our lives tremendously. And, I'm confident that at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai we'll see more new innovations where science makes sustainability real and where science will change our lives and advance human civilization.
I believe that in 18 days, the World Expo 2010 Shanghai will give its 70 million visitors the hope for better lives in improved cities. It serves as a reminder for us all to focus on food supply, safety and environment, alternative energy, development in emerging markets and other major issues facing people on this planet. The World Expo 2010 Shanghai will set another milestone in the journey of human civilization and scientific development.
I look forward to visiting the World Expo 2010 Shanghai! Good luck to Shanghai!
