Austronesian conference kicks off in Taipei

2015/11/02

The 2015 International Austronesian Conference got underway Oct. 29 in Taipei City, underscoring government efforts to strengthen collaboration and understanding among indigenous peoples from across the region.

In his opening remarks, President Ma Ying-jeou praised the annual event for having promoted exchanges among academics and officials from more than 30 countries since its inauguration in 2002.

“By providing a platform where participants can share knowledge and experience, this event will produce innovative policy suggestions on key issues related to the Austronesian peoples,” the president said, adding he hopes attendees from overseas gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s unique aboriginal cultures during their stays in the country.

Ma also reiterated the ROC’s commitment to enhancing the rights of indigenous peoples through legislation, highlighting three special bills on aboriginal lands and sea areas, as well as the establishment of a national museum and autonomous regions.

Government efforts to promote local indigenous groups on the global stage are also paying dividends, the president said, noting that the economic cooperation agreement signed by Taiwan and New Zealand in 2013 includes provisions for aboriginal cultural cooperation.

“Taiwan also maintains strong ties with its Pacific allies through cooperation in agriculture, environmental protection, medical services and solar energy,” Ma said. “The Pacific Islands Leadership Program, a joint project with the U.S., is a prime example in this regard.”

The IAC is organized by the ROC Council of Indigenous Peoples. This year’s edition is arranged around the theme of Territorial Governance and Cultural Heritage, and has attracted researchers and scholars from eight countries and territories.

Featuring keynote speeches and roundtable discussions, the two-day event covers topics of special concern to the Austronesian peoples, including education and culture, natural ecology and traditional territories, inheritance of knowledge, regional social development and tourism.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238365&ctNode=2194&mp=9)