聚焦世界运河大会｜苏格兰运河局首席执行官约翰·帕特森：桂林为今后举办世界运河大会树立标杆

大运河传媒讯 （董明 徐蓉 发自广西桂林）10月15日，2026年世界运河大会在广西桂林闭幕。苏格兰运河局首席执行官约翰·帕特森接受大运河传媒专访时说，这场会议办得非常出色，我感到十分尽兴。我们在这里感受到了十足的热情，桂林人民乃至全体中国人民都格外友善，东道主的待客之道更是令人赞叹不已。Grand Canal Media News (Dong Ming, Xu Rong, from Guilin, Guangxi)On October 15, 2026 World Canals Conferences wrapped up in Guilin, Guangxi. John Paterson, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, said in an exclusive interview with Grand Canal Media,it's been a fantastic conference. I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The organization has been first class. We've been made feel very welcome, and the people of Guilin and China have been incredibly friendly and your hospitality has been amazing.

能够和全球运河领域专家学者齐聚一堂面对面交流，是本次参会最大的收获。为了交流相关知识、经验与专业技能，我聆听了多场分享，其中不少展示都结合实例与案例研究，介绍了各个国家、各家机构的最新进展。我也在大会上作了主题演示。一边学习借鉴，一边分享自身实践，这样双向的交流意义重大。It's been great to be in the same space to mix with other professionals involved in the world of canals. And to share some knowledge and experience and expertise, I listened to many of the presentations where there was examples and case studies given of the latest developments in each organization, in each country. And it's just been fantastic to be able to learn and share experience. I also gave a presentation. And so it's been good to take away some knowledge and also to share some knowledge because the one thing I've Learned about the canal.

在我看来，全球各地水系条件各不相同，每一条运河的发展状况都存在差异，各式各样的创新实践正在世界范围内不断涌现。能够在同一个会场，集中聆听这些前沿探索，机会十分宝贵。Every canal has a slightly different dynamic, and there's lots of different types of innovation going on right across the world. And it's been great to be in the one place to hear some of that.

这是我生平第一次来到中国，无论是参会还是以游客身份，此前我从未踏足这片土地。对我而言，这是一个格外特别的时刻，因为在我十几岁的时候，我参加一门 “现代研究” 课程考试，当时选定的研究方向就是关于中国。从那时起，到访中国就成了我的心愿。如今站在这里，我百感交集，可以说是梦想照进了现实。It's my first time ever in China in any capacity, whether to attend a conference or as a tourist. And it's a very special moment for me because as a teenager. I did an exam called Modern Studies, and my project was on China. And I always wanted to visit China. And I'm feeling very emotional saying this to you just now because it is literally a dream come true.

历届世界运河大会，各国的办会方式各有特色。每一座承办城市都会带来独属于自身的特质，用心向参会者展示本土文化与地域魅力。本届大会的规模让我印象深刻，开幕式对现代技术的巧妙运用、东道主的热情款待，以及对文化和遗产的传承弘扬，都令人难忘。这无疑是一次绝佳的参会体验，营造出独一无二的交流氛围。我认为，桂林为今后举办世界运河大会树立了标杆。So each country has approached the canal conference slightly differently. They've all brought the unique qualities from the city and where the canal conferences are hosted, and they've always taken great, and made a great effort to show us what the culture and the main features are of their area. The conference here for me has been the scale. The use of technology, the hospitality, the embracing the culture and heritage you brought that out in the opening ceremony. And it's just been a fantastic experience and a whole different dynamic. On the next level, I think you've set the bar for how to run World Canal conferences going forward.

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制作 曹宇

编校 延晨 徐蓉

一审 桂艳 张莉

二审 肖东 董明

三审 晖军