TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is a sustainable development partner the world can rely on, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said at the Earth Solutions Sustainability Design Action Summit on Tuesday.
Hsiao said President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has established three major committees: the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee, and the National Climate Change Response Committee, per the Presidential Office.
These interconnected initiatives span national security, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, and require joint efforts from both the public and private sectors, she said.
Last year, the government implemented carbon pricing and launched a second phase of energy transition to improve energy efficiency, Hsiao said. It also introduced smart energy storage and disaster-resilient power grids, she added.
It is essential to turn inward and cultivate empathy, courage, and collaboration, Hsiao said, referring to Inner Development Goals. These are a complementary framework to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
When business interests appear to conflict with social interests, dialogue and connection can help resolve differences and create opportunities for mutual benefit, Hsiao said.
Taiwan must leverage its strengths in technology and artificial intelligence to drive dual transformation in digitalization and net-zero emissions, Hsiao said. With the help of partners, Taiwan can become a reliable force in the global net-zero transition, she said.
