A virtual workshop on building disaster resilience was staged under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework Sept. 24 by forces for good Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, Australia and the U.K.
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction under the Ministry of Science and Technology, American Institute in Taiwan, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Australian Office Taipei and British Office Taipei, the daylong event involved discussions on community resilience capacity building, technology applications for disaster risk management, and recovery and reconstruction revitalization processes.
High-profile participants included MOFA Deputy Minister Harry Ho-jen Tseng, MOST Minister Wu Tsung-tsong, AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk, JTEA Chief Rep. Hiroyasu Izumi, AOT head Jenny Bloomfield and BOT head John Dennis. In addition, around 135 experts and officials from 34 countries and territories attended via video link.
Tseng said during opening remarks that Taiwan is committed to sharing its experiences in disaster preparedness with the global community. This is evidenced by the efforts of International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) in assisting allies Belize, Honduras and Nicaragua obtain advanced related equipment, he added.
Established in 1996 under the MOFA, Taipei City-headquartered TaiwanICDF is dedicated to achieving socioeconomic progress, enhancing human resources and promoting business activity in diplomatic allies and partner nations.
Echoing Tseng’s remarks, Oudkirk said the workshop raises public awareness about the role of personal resilience and civic readiness in confronting natural or man-made disasters.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Building disaster resilience is key to advancing sustainable development & transforming our world. #Taiwan is proud to share its related experience alongside fellow forces for good the #US, #Japan, #Australia & #UK through the #GCTF.”
The workshop is the second of its kind held under the GCTF this year. Launched in June 2015, the initiative also addresses other topics such as education, environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, public health and women’s empowerment. (YCH-E)
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