During the 2020 United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) cooperated with Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY) and Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development of the Earth Institute to co-host a webinar on Emerging Stronger after COVID-19: Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development. Nine international experts with backgrounds in technology, agriculture, health, sanitation, education, and economics were invited to share their strategies on adopting science, technology, and innovation (STI) to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with various perspectives from governments, international aid agencies, and non-governmental organizations. In total, the webinar had more than 400 registrants and has been broadcasted on YouTube and Facebook to people all over the world.

The webinar covered three critical stages throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: outbreak, lockdown restrictions, and the post-pandemic era. In his opening remarks, TaiwanICDF Secretary General Amb. Timothy T. Y. Hsiang detailed how COVID-19 has deepened global inequality and strengthened the importance of STI for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Philip Y.C. Lo, deputy director-general of Centers for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, R.O.C. (Taiwan), shared practices for quick response to the disease and successful experiences of real-time control for the pandemic. Lastly, Dr. Guillermo Sequera, director general of the Health Surveillance Department of Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, explained how a landlocked country performs differently than island countries, such as Taiwan, in border and disease control for controlling frequent migration across countries. On the topic of lockdown restrictions, a representative from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shared strategies in preventing contagious diseases from the pandemic through the STI mechanism and how USAID applied its experience in 120 countries around the world to build capacity for epidemic prevention. Additionally, experts from the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF), Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education (ASPBAE), and Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) also demonstrated how they have used STI to ensure the public maintains their basic needs and rights for health, safety, and education under lockdown restrictions during the pandemic. In the post-pandemic era, the world can accelerate progress toward the SDGs through advance preparations and early response. Dr. Pai-Po Lee, deputy secretary general of the TaiwanICDF, emphasized the importance of exporting Taiwan’s technology and supporting partner countries to improve STI development with comprehensive practices, including building digital environment and capacity, establishing digitalized information and data, and making diversified application through partnerships. By integrating technology with international aid in education, health, agriculture, trade market, and financing, cross-sector solutions will enhance the resilience of partner countries. Dr. Lee’s remarks were also seconded by the founder of Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) and the main advisor of Paraguay’s Ministry of Finance. They emphasized that applying technology and building partnerships are critical strategies to mitigate inequality in the post-pandemic era, and that we can quickly respond to the global disaster, rise again from the tough time, live with the virus, and finally build a more sustainable future. For closing remarks, Lily L. W. Hsu, director-general of TECO-NY, reminded the audience that in addition to STI, building global public-private partnerships is another key to achieving SDGs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted progress toward SDGs globally, especially for vulnerable groups, resulting in deepening inequality both between and within countries in 2020. To fight against the crisis, the world needs to be more active and comprehensive in promoting international cooperation and global development activities with science, technology, and innovation. Taiwan not only possesses cutting-edge technology but is also willing to share experiences with the international community. In addition to making voluntary contributions to the UN SDGs, Taiwan is also collaborating with international experts. By organizing this webinar; gathering experts from six countries, including Taiwan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Paraguay, Bangladesh, and the Philippines to jointly share their experiences; and responding to the core issue of the 2020 HLPF, “Partnerships against COVID-19 - building back better together to advance the 2030 Agenda,” we are showing the world that Taiwan is helping.

Webinar Live Stream Video:
TaiwanICDF Facebook Fan Page(https://www.facebook.com/taiwanicdf/videos/1221751928167563/) TaiwanICDF YouTube Channel(https://reurl.cc/Aq5zrp)

Related Pictures

no:1picture

• Update: 2020/08/19
• Hits:426