Taiwan hosts UNFCCC NGO forum

2015/08/24

An international forum promoting exchanges between Taiwan-based nongovernmental organizations and their counterparts on the sidelines of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change got underway Aug. 21 in Taipei City.

Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Environmental Protection Administration, the one-day event underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing awareness of the impact of climate change. Participants include local academics, experts and NGO representatives, as well as those from New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden, the U.K. and U.S.

Themed Power of NGOs in New Global Governance Regime, the event broaches the issues of gender, indigenous peoples, health and global warming.

In an opening address, EPA Deputy Minister Fu Shu-chiang said this year is pivotal for global negotiation on climate change, with governments of the world striving to contribute to the new universal climate agreement during the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris. “Bringing together experts around the world, the forum is playing an important role during UNFCCC negotiations by introducing concepts and defining issues in addition to supervising implementation of related measures.”

Echoing Fu’s remarks, Shen Pei-hwang, director-general of MOFA’s Department of Treaty and Legal Affairs, said as an essential stakeholder in the international community, Taiwan shares the responsibility of leaving future generations with a habitable earth.

“Although Taiwan is not a participant in the UNFCCC, or related mechanisms, it has voiced its strong intention for more meaningful participation since 2009, with seven local NGOs recognized as observers of the U.N. body,” he said, adding that the country stands ready to do more in the global battle against climate change.

Robert Forden, deputy director of the American Institute in Taiwan, praised the nation’s public and private sector collaboration in passing the landmark Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Management Act, describing the legislation as representing a significant step forward for Taiwan.

Equally positive about the country’s efforts to slash emissions is Viktoria Lovenberg, deputy head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan. She reiterated the EETO’s support for Taiwan, citing an inaugural forum in June organized by Taiwan Environmental Information Association for NGOs to share experiences and improve capacity to address related issues.

Damion Potter, deputy director of the British Office Taipei, praised Taiwan as a regional leader in responding to the COP 21 and an example for other Asian countries in this regard.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=234041&ctNode=413)