Vice President Han Zheng attends and delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu on April 26 in Chengdu, Sichuan.
On the morning of April 26, the International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu, themed "Park City, Beautiful Habitat," officially opened at Tianfu Eye Square, the main venue located in Chengdu Eastern New Area. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Zhang Meiying, Vice Chairwoman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Honorary President of the China Flower Association, Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People's Congress, Huang Qiang, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, Guan Zhi'ou, Head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and Shi Xiaolin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Chengdu Municipal Committee, attended the opening ceremony. Huang Qiang, President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers Leonardo Capitanio, and President of the China Flower Association Jiang Zehui delivered speeches, respectively.
Han Zheng said that in President Xi Jinping's important speech delivered at the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition five years ago, President Xi noted that China is ready to work with all other countries to build a better homeland and a community with a shared future for mankind, which has garnered positive responses from the international community. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping thought on eco-civilization, the Chinese government persistently promotes green development, leading to an environment where people can relish blue sky, lucid waters, lush mountains, singing birds and blossoming flowers; with these efforts, China contributes one-fourth of increased area of afforestation in the world and makes a positive contribution to promoting sustainable development of human society.
Han Zheng emphasized that the world today is still facing global environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity protection, and realizing UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains a daunting task. All countries should work together and make concerted efforts, jointly advancing the modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature.
Han Zheng put forth three proposals. First, working together to build the foundation for ecological conservation. We need to recognize the ecological environment as a foundation for human survival and development, respect, adapt to, and protect nature, and guide the world in cooperative efforts toward ecological conservation. Second, consulting together to map out the strategies for governance and responses. We need to uphold the global governance vision featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, jointly improve the environmental governance system, and explore sustainable development solutions, promoting more tangible achievements in global ecological governance. Third, striving together to preserve and enhance the beauty of our shared planet. As the largest developing country in the world, China will actively shoulder the international responsibilities commensurate with its development level and capacity, strengthen dialogues on ecological conservation with all sides, and engage in extensive cooperation in areas such as biodiversity and climate change.
Huang Qiang, during his speech, extended a warm welcome on behalf of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and the People's Government of Sichuan Province to all the guests in attendance. He said that this grand exhibition not only demonstrates the remarkable efforts and achievements in implementing Xi Jinping thought on eco-civilization and building a Beautiful China but also highlights Sichuan's role and commitment to environmental conservation, grounded by its rich ecological resources and its function as an ecological shield along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. In this place, one can appreciate the distinctive allure of the ecological paradise. Sichuan is forging ahead with creating the giant panda and Ruoergai national parks, and Daocheng Yading has emerged as a highly sought-after destination, a dream "Shangri-La." In this place, one can explore the enchanting legend of "the mother of gardens". The event's mascot is inspired by the Sanxingdui site and the Davidia involucrata tree, or dove tree. A British botanist who traveled to China seeking Davidia involucrata lauded China as the "mother of gardens" and the Chengdu Plain as the "garden of western China". The dove-tree flower has come to represent a messenger of peaceful communication. In this place, one can experience the splendor of the "Park City". Chengdu embodies the vision of "Park City, Beautiful Habitat," exemplifying the multifaceted manifestations of the Chinese path to modernization. We are willing to foster friendships through the shared appreciation of gardens and flowers, working together with international counterparts to build a beautiful life and embrace a bright future.
Leonardo Capitanio stated in his speech that we live in a world that is facing many challenges, not least the battle against climate change. He noted AIPH firmly believes that horticulture will play an increasingly important role in enabling cities to adapt to changing climates, as well as improving the health and well-being of citizens. The Chinese government has set grand ecological development goals. This year's expo highlights the importance of green city, ecological development and the role of plants in redefining livable cities, and it will display the green city charm of Chengdu to the world. He believed that visitors to the expo would see for themselves why plants matter as they immerse themselves in the horticultural wonders from China and all over the world. He strongly urged everyone to visit Chengdu, experience the Horticultural Exhibition, and see for themselves the extraordinary beauty of plants and flowers.
Jiang Zehui said in her speech that cultivating the floral industry constitutes a significant aspect and material basis for the endeavor to build a Beautiful China, and it is also an essential requirement for fulfilling people's aspirations for a better life. This edition of the International Horticultural Exhibition serves as a crucial platform for China to demonstrate its advancements in floral horticulture and ecological conservation development to the global community, exemplifies the tangible efforts in building a Beautiful China, and plays a significant role in enhancing international floral industry exchanges, disseminating ecological culture, and collaboratively building a beautiful Earth. Guided by Xi Jinping thought on eco-civilization, we will expedite the establishment of a modernized floral industry system and continually offer a range of high-quality floral and horticultural products, thereby making new contributions to building a Beautiful China, creating pleasant living environments and elevating the quality of life for our people.
Additionally, the opening ceremony featured brief yet spectacular cultural performances. Zuo Yongxiang, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, presided over the ceremony. Wang Fengchao, Mayor of Chengdu Municipal People's Government, introduced the preparations for International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu.
Before the opening ceremony, Han Zheng conducted an inspection tour of the exhibition park, listened to a situation report, and took a group photo with the Chinese and international guests attending the event.
Relevant leaders from Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality, some foreign diplomatic envoys posted in China, representatives from sister cities of Chengdu and sister provinces of Sichuan, heads of pertinent international organizations, representatives from some provincial and municipal delegations, heads of relevant provincial departments, executives from renowned domestic and international businesses and associations, and representatives of the participating exhibitors, among others, were present at the opening ceremony.
