A three-day international workshop on humanitarian assistance and disaster response today began in Taipei to promote cross-border partnerships, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said.
Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Chief Representative Kazuyuki Katayama and National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) made the opening addresses at the event hosted by the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), AIT said.
AIT represents US interests in Taiwan in the absence of official diplomatic ties and is one of the organizers of the workshop titled "Global Public-Private Partnerships in HA/DR [humanitarian assistance/disaster response]: Disaster Governance and Sustainable Operation."
Photo courtesy of the American Institute in Taiwan via CNA
More than 150 people, including senior government officials, humanitarian aid professionals, and private-sector leaders met in Taipei, AIT said, adding that 47 of them were international participants from 34 countries and regions.
Through six thematic sessions and two panel discussions, the program would explore the role of non-governmental organizations, public-private collaboration in building disaster resilience, the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and early warning systems, and international coordination practices, it said.
After day two, participants would take a closer look at Taiwan's capabilities in disaster preparedness and coordination, with stops including the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation for a demonstration of innovative humanitarian technologies, the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction and Taipei's Central Emergency Operation Center, AIT said.
The GCTF was launched in 2015 by Taiwan and the US as a platform that allows Taiwan to share its expertise and contribute to global issues alongside global partners, as Taipei has been sidelined from major international organizations due to Chinese pressure.
Japan, Australia and Canada joined the GCTF as full partners in 2019, 2021 and last year, respectively.
Since its launch, the GCTF has held 88 international workshops on topics such as public health, law enforcement cooperation, women's empowerment, energy efficiency, e-commerce, cybersecurity and media literacy.
More than 10,000 government officials, experts and civil society representatives from 133 countries have participated in the events, which were held in Taiwan and 17 other countries, AIT said.
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