The first of a two-part virtual workshop on managing marine debris was held by Taiwan, Japan, the U.S. and first-time participant the Netherlands under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework Nov. 3 in Taipei City, spotlighting the like-minded partners’ commitment to sustainable oceans.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, American Institute in Taiwan and Netherlands Office Taipei, the one-day event addressed developing innovative solutions to waste management issues. The second part of the virtual seminar is set to take place Nov. 10.
In his opening remarks, MOFA Deputy Minister Harry Ho-jen Tseng said marine debris poses a serious threat to biodiversity and human safety, requiring international collaboration if an effective solution is to be found. As an island nation, Taiwan is willing and able to share its experiences managing the problem, he added.
Echoing Tseng’s comments, AIT Director Brent Christensen said the U.S. and Taiwan have a long history of cooperation on environmental matters including waste management, adding it is just one of the many areas in which Taiwan can share its considerable expertise with the world.
According to the organizers, around 700 attendees from 16 countries and territories took part in the seminar. JTEA Rep. Hiroyasu Izumi and NOT Rep. Guido Tielman also delivered recorded messages.
Launched in June 2015 by Taiwan and the U.S. to build capacity and strengthen multilateral cooperation, GCTF has grown to include Australia, Japan, Sweden and the Netherlands.
A total of 28 workshops involving 900 plus experts and government officials from around 60 countries have been staged to date under the initiative, spanning areas such as disaster relief, education, environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, public health and women’s empowerment. (SFC-E)
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