A virtual forum on the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and implementation of marine policy wrapped up Nov. 3, spotlighting the government’s commitment to fast-tracking development of the country’s relevant regulations and measures while exchanging experience with like-minded partners worldwide.
Organized by the Cabinet-level Ocean Affairs Council, the two-day event involved over 200 academics, business representatives, experts and officials from Taiwan and countries and territories such as Italy, Japan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, the Philippines, the U.K. and the U.S.
Topics discussed during the event included the development of marine law, ocean conservation, resource protection, maritime security and enforcement as well as disputes and resolutions.
In addition, a special session was designed for young academics to present their papers and dissertations. This will help cultivate personnel and encourage their participation in marine-related research, according to the OAC.
At the opening ceremony, OAC Acting Minister Chou Mei-wu said the UNCLOS codified customary international laws and took effect in 1994. This forum offers an opportunity for participants to discuss ways to maintain the rule-based international order and safeguard freedom and prosperity in the region, he added.
According to Chou, Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific countries share universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Facing challenges like climate change and maritime security, Taiwan is willing and able to work with like-minded partners to promote sustainable ocean development in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world, he said. (YCH-E)
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