Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Icyang Parod addresses participants at the 2023 Austronesian Forum Aug. 16 in the Marshall Islands. (Courtesy of CIP)
 

The 2023 Austronesian Forum took place Aug. 16 in the Marshall Islands, with participants from Taiwan’s regional allies and partners gathering to discuss methods of promoting sustainable tourism while tackling climate change and preserving their respective cultures and heritage.

Sponsored by Taiwan’s Council of Indigenous Peoples, the one-day event was attended by around 110 experts, officials and tribal chiefs from 15 countries. Those in attendance included David Kabua and Hilda Heine, current and former presidents of the Marshall Islands, respectively.

In his opening remarks, CIP Minister and Forum Chair Icyang Parod said the Indigenous peoples of Austronesia each have their unique ways of coexisting with their homelands. Such wisdom can serve as important guidelines when it comes to addressing climate change challenges, he added.

The minister said the 2023 forum focused on tourism development in Austronesian countries, as the sector has an important bearing on their environment. He also invited all participating countries to attend the World Indigenous Tourism Summit set to take place March 2024 in Taiwan.

Echoing Icyang's remarks, Kabua said the Marshall Islands is proud to be a founding member of the forum, which he believes to be a powerful platform for sharing traditional wisdom, culture and creativity to change the world.

Initiated by Taiwan and headquartered in Palau, the forum includes allies the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu, as well as friendly entities Guam, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the U.S. state of Hawaii, with Central American ally Belize participating as an observer. (SFC-E)