Shanghai's World Expo is a unique opportunity to boost global cooperation in developing new technologies to fight climate change, Italian environment minister said Friday.

"Technological cooperation is key to a global agreement based on curbing carbon dioxide emissions," Stefania Prestigiacomo told Xinhua.

The minister, who is representing the Italian government at the opening ceremony of the expo on May 1, will have the privilege of cutting the red ribbon of the Italian pavilion.

Prestigiacomo, who will leave for Shanghai on Tuesday, said she was looking forward to the trip. "I am happy and have the honor of attending such an important event. It's an extraordinary occasion for Italy to display its excellences, quality products and best practices."

But the expo means much more for Prestigiacomo as she leads a ministry that is a front runner on global issues such as climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development.

The expo represents a launch pad not only to enhance environmental awareness but also discuss strategic and coordinated measures to counter climate change via new technologies, she said.

"Economic growth implies energy consumption and carbon emissions, thus pollution and climate change," she said. "This is why industrialized nations must help emerging countries, including China, to avoid repeating the same error of creating a carbon-based economy like ours."

"We have to support developing countries in forging a sound model of sustainable development," she said, adding that the only way to reach the goal is through international collaboration in technology.

Besides, technological cooperation is important for designing better and sustainable cities and upgrading the old ones.

"If we consider Italy and great part of Europe, our historical cities' cultural and artistic heritage needs to be restyled and recovered for better use. The new technologies can play a major role here."

Prestigiacomo also highlighted her ministry's cooperation with China. "With China we have launched numerous partnerships in protecting environment and fighting climate change," she said.

"We have been operating in China since many years ago but we intend to increase our presence there," she added.

"Our goal at Shanghai Expo will thus be to boost bilateral contacts and partnerships with our Chinese counterparts and at the same time introduce our green technological excellences to the rest of the world."

Prestigiacomo said the Environment Ministry will have a permanent showcase at the expo where major ground breaking projects will be presented to the public.

"I really can't mention any one in particular. They are so many and all are indeed pioneering. Just come to visit us," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2010)