New Southbound Policy Portal
EPA Minister Lee Ying-yuan (front, center) and AIT Deputy Director Robert Forden (front, second right) pose with dignitaries and officials from 12 countries at the opening ceremony of the 2017 International Environmental Partnership Conference Sept. 25 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of EPA)
Focusing on the two main topics of circular economy and environmental enforcement, the conference is being held under the Taiwan-U.S. initiated International Environmental Partnership—a network of international experts working together to strengthen capacity for addressing environmental challenges. The IEPC comprises two separate sessions, namely a two-day global forum and working meeting on circular economy Sept. 25-26, and the Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Workshop Sept. 25-29.
Environmental Protection Administration Minister Lee Ying-yuan, who spoke at the conference’s opening ceremony, said that over 60 events and projects have been implemented under the IEP since its establishment in 2014. He added that such activities are in line with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, the 17th of which includes revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has been working to achieve the targets of the SDGs, as evidenced by the country’s first Voluntary National Review released earlier this month in New York City, according to Lee. VNRs help facilitate the sharing of experiences with the goal of accelerating the implementation of the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Robert Forden, deputy director of the American Institute in Taiwan, noted the convening of the two important workshops illustrates the breadth of Taiwan-U.S. engagement on environmental issues. He added that the U.S. looks forward to continued cooperation with Taiwan in the realm of circular economy, not only between environmental protection agencies but also businesses on both sides.
Christine M. Y. Hsueh, director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of North American Affairs, said the success of the IEP demonstrates that the Taiwan-U.S. collaboration has not only created mutual benefits but has also contributed to the protection of the global environment.
According to the EPA, the two-day circular economy session includes a global forum on best practices and innovative technologies regarding food and plastic waste management. The working meeting aims to explore possible avenues for circular economy collaboration.
The five-day Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Workshop involves officials from Taiwan’s EPA and their U.S. counterparts, who will share experiences and discuss waste management inspection plans, processes and training. (CPY-E)