Taiwan is committed to promoting sustainable development through green policymaking and expanded participation in related international organizations, according to Environmental Protection Administration Deputy Minister Yeh Shin-cheng Nov. 11.
“Sustainability needs to take into account the environment while balancing economic growth and social development,” Yeh said. “Education for sustainable development, or ESD, provides the foundation for the design, implementation and promotion of policy measures in this regard.”
The deputy minister made the remarks while delivering a speech on the sidelines of a meeting organized by the Earth Charter, Asia Pacific and Japan Committee during the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development in Nagoya, Japan.
In his address, Yeh brought participants up to speed on key developments in Taiwan, including the promulgation of the Environmental Education Act in 2010.
“Concrete measures adopted by the government are paying dividends in enhancing environmental awareness in Taiwan,” he said, citing the participation of civil servants in related activities and the establishment of multimillion New Taiwan dollar fund for policy promotion.
In line with the U.N. Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014 initiative, Yeh said four regional centers of expertise have been set up in eastern, central, northern and southern Taiwan to promote EDS participation by the private sector.
On the global front, the deputy minister said Taiwan continues addressing the issue through such undertakings as the Global Environment Education Partnership with the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, promoting education on climate change, and setting up environment protection standards and related projects with global partners.
The EPA wrapped up its event with a reception at the UNESCO gathering venue and other activities at the Hisaya Odori Park promoting exchanges with participants from around the world. (SFC-JSM)
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