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Preface
In Vigorous Pursuit of Sustainable Development
The year 2016 was a turning point for the 2030. That July, the United Nations released Progress
international community’s development cooperation. towards the Sustainable Development Goals, presenting
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 an overview of the current status of the 17 SDGs based
Agenda for Sustainable Development entered into force on the latest data and highlighting the most significant
on January 1, setting a common agenda for international gaps and challenges.
cooperation and development work to be achieved by Last year was also critical for global climate
governance. Following the completion of the approval
procedures for the Paris Agreement in October by
the European Parliament, the necessary ratification
thresholds for at least 55 Parties and 55 percent of
global emissions were met, enabling the agreement to
take effect. In the future, apart from reducing emissions
in accordance with their Nationally Determined
Contributions, member countries will report on their
progress in implementing the global climate action
agenda every five years to reinforce international
cooperation and realize the long-term goals for global
climate change adaptation.
The SDGs and the Paris Agreement make it clear
that the time for global governance has come. In
joining hands with partner countries, Taiwan can use
its comparative advantages and wisdom to engage in
meaningful participation and make valuable contributions
to international sustainable development efforts.
Global participation and joint cooperation
The history of the SDGs and the Paris Agreement
shows that global participation, joint cooperation, and
transparency play key roles in current international
cooperation and development. As a global citizen,
Taiwan must play an integral part. President Tsai Ing-
wen said in her inaugural address on May 20 that the
government has undertaken to “fulfill our duty as a
citizen of the world and contribute towards diplomatic
and global issues. We will bring Taiwan closer to the
world, and the world closer to Taiwan.” On issues of
international cooperation and development, Taiwan
has both the willingness and the ability to work with
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