More than 3000 pharmacists from 24 countries and regions gathered in Taiwan for the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations (FAPA) Congress. The congress, which is held every two years in different Asian countries and hosted by a member association, returned to the nation for the fourth time after 13 years. It was established in 1964 in Manila and is the biggest regional organization in Asia, which convenes pharmacists working in different fields.
This year’s congress is the largest since its establishment in 1966, receiving more than 600 research abstract submissions, according to the organizer, the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists’ Associations (FTPA). With the theme “Health System Resilience, Security and Equity: Pharmacists can help,” the event began on Oct. 24 and ended on Oct. 28 at the International Convention Center in Taipei.
During the opening ceremony, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) made the remark “Yes! Pharmacists indeed can help,” while FAPA president Yolanda Robles said resolutely, “Taiwan can help” in the closing ceremony.
After the congress, the FAPA wrote on its official Facebook page that Taiwan’s pharmacists have enough skills and capabilities for Taiwan to be recognized as a WHO member state.
This has proven that Taiwan has successfully tapped into its soft power and earned its place on the global stage.
INTERNATIONAL SPACE
Several elements led to the event’s success. Exchanges and sharing experience is the first step to forming partnerships.
With hundreds of forums, the Taiwanese pharmaceutical industry has fully demonstrated its massive potential in areas such as regenerative medicine, smart healthcare, public health and pharmaceutical care.
The forum conference room, at which the Ministry of Health and Welfare talked about digital applications during the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, was nearly packed with 200 people.
From this, it is apparent that smart hardware and software, public health systems and talented workers are Taiwan’s strengths in expanding its presence in Asia.
Apart from academic exchanges, cultural experience was another key element of hospitality. The FTPA arranged performances by the Electric Techno Neon Gods, indigenous dances and the drum troupe U-Theatre, as well as provided all-you-can-drink Taiwan Beer and bubble tea.
To add a cherry on top, the guests also received EasyCards with an image of Taipei 101 printed on them and electronic sky lanterns as gifts.
All of these activities and items were designed with the aim of leaving participants with a good impression of Taiwanese culture.
As FAPA guest speakers and participants are bellwethers of the pharmacy industry, it is essential to pay attention to every detail so that they sense Taiwan’s trustworthiness as a reliable partner.
The FAPA is one of the most representative pharmacist groups in Asia. With the FAPA promoting Taiwan’s bid to join the WHO, it would be adding fuel to the engine for the ongoing campaign. The road ahead is long and difficult and Taiwan is not expecting overnight success. Yet with the pharmacy industry fostering closer and deeper ties with democratic countries around the world, as well as making the best use of every international event to showcase Taiwan and maintain influence afterward, surely it is only a matter of time before Taiwan is accepted into the WHO.
Huang Jin-shun is president of the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists’ Associations.
Translated by Rita Wang
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