City News
Date : 2024-09-05 Source : New Taipei City Government
Youth from Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Malawi Collaborate on Sustainable Solutions at 2024 New Taipei International Youth Climate Action Forum
New Taipei City, Taiwan – August 29, 2024 – The Environmental Protection Department of New Taipei City successfully hosted the "2024 New Taipei International Youth Climate Action Forum" on August 29, 2024. This notable event brought together climate action experts and young leaders from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Malawi. The forum served as a dynamic platform for discussing innovative strategies and practical solutions to climate challenges, fostering collaboration among youth to explore and develop sustainable practices.
In his welcome remarks, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-Ih highlighted the global momentum towards achieving net-zero emissions. He emphasized that this transition requires broad societal support and consensus. Mayor Hou underscored the importance of empowering the younger generation and ensuring that efforts towards environmental sustainability and net-zero goals are grounded in the principles of climate justice. He urged participants to adopt a "Think Globally, Act Locally" approach, moving from passive observation to active engagement in combating climate change.
During the forum, Mayor Hou presented awards for the climate action proposal contest, which was held in conjunction with the event. The winners were:
Gold Award: Yan Jiu-Hao, Wu Yun-Han, Yan Yu-Tong, and Wang Bin-Jun from National Hu-Wei Senior High School for their project, "Coral Guardian Action: Rebuilding the Hope of the Ocean."
Silver Award: Su Zhe-Xuan, Lin You-Sheng, and Wang Yi-Hsuan from the Interdisciplinary Program of Education at National Tsing Hua University for their project, "Wetland Creation Plan: Elementary Ecological Plan."
Honorable Mentions: Liu Chu-Xiang, He Zhi-Xian, Dai Cai-Xuan, Yang Yong-Zhu, and Liu Pei-Shan from New Taipei Municipal Bei Da High School for their project, "Water, Sustainably on Earth," and Ho Ping-Yu, Wang Li-Wei, and Wang Chuan-Yan from Graduate Institute of Sustainability Management and Environmental Education at National Taiwan Normal University for their project, "Sustainable Chlorophyll."
The forum began with opening remarks from Cheng Da-Wei, Commissioner of the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Department, and Marcia Qiu, Commissioner of the Youth Department. Commissioner Cheng’s address, themed "Net Zero: A Commitment to the Next Generation," detailed New Taipei City's ongoing initiatives in building transformation, including energy-saving diagnostics, renovations, and the integration of AI tools. He reaffirmed the city's commitment to achieving net-zero goals through ambitious planning and innovative strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for future generations.
Commissioner Marcia Qiu highlighted the increasing involvement of Generation Z in public affairs and environmental issues. She described the Youth Department’s initiatives, such as Social Designer competitions, public issue camps, and international exchanges, which aim to inspire and mobilize young people. Additionally, the newly established "New Taipei Green Innovation Base" in Tucheng supports digital transformation in traditional industries, aligns with SDGs and net-zero carbon reduction trends, and offers ESG-related courses to cultivate green talent. Commissioner Qiu encouraged interested youth to explore environmental sustainability activities on the Youth Department’s official website.
The afternoon sessions focused on innovative technologies, sustainable living, and cross-generational communication. This year’s forum also introduced the "Climate Action Team Creative Proposal" competition, inviting Taiwanese youth to identify climate issues and propose solutions. Selected teams presented their ideas and engaged in meaningful discussions with international youth activists, furthering the dialogue on sustainability.
The forum concluded with closing remarks by Professor Shin-Cheng Yeh from National Taiwan Normal University’s Institute of Sustainability, who also serves as Deputy Director of the New Taipei City Climate Change Response Steering Committee. Professor Yeh emphasized that climate change is an undeniable global reality and encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices in everyday life. He commended the youth for their creativity and proactive efforts in shaping a sustainable future.
In his welcome remarks, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-Ih highlighted the global momentum towards achieving net-zero emissions. He emphasized that this transition requires broad societal support and consensus. Mayor Hou underscored the importance of empowering the younger generation and ensuring that efforts towards environmental sustainability and net-zero goals are grounded in the principles of climate justice. He urged participants to adopt a "Think Globally, Act Locally" approach, moving from passive observation to active engagement in combating climate change.
During the forum, Mayor Hou presented awards for the climate action proposal contest, which was held in conjunction with the event. The winners were:
Gold Award: Yan Jiu-Hao, Wu Yun-Han, Yan Yu-Tong, and Wang Bin-Jun from National Hu-Wei Senior High School for their project, "Coral Guardian Action: Rebuilding the Hope of the Ocean."
Silver Award: Su Zhe-Xuan, Lin You-Sheng, and Wang Yi-Hsuan from the Interdisciplinary Program of Education at National Tsing Hua University for their project, "Wetland Creation Plan: Elementary Ecological Plan."
Honorable Mentions: Liu Chu-Xiang, He Zhi-Xian, Dai Cai-Xuan, Yang Yong-Zhu, and Liu Pei-Shan from New Taipei Municipal Bei Da High School for their project, "Water, Sustainably on Earth," and Ho Ping-Yu, Wang Li-Wei, and Wang Chuan-Yan from Graduate Institute of Sustainability Management and Environmental Education at National Taiwan Normal University for their project, "Sustainable Chlorophyll."
The forum began with opening remarks from Cheng Da-Wei, Commissioner of the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Department, and Marcia Qiu, Commissioner of the Youth Department. Commissioner Cheng’s address, themed "Net Zero: A Commitment to the Next Generation," detailed New Taipei City's ongoing initiatives in building transformation, including energy-saving diagnostics, renovations, and the integration of AI tools. He reaffirmed the city's commitment to achieving net-zero goals through ambitious planning and innovative strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for future generations.
Commissioner Marcia Qiu highlighted the increasing involvement of Generation Z in public affairs and environmental issues. She described the Youth Department’s initiatives, such as Social Designer competitions, public issue camps, and international exchanges, which aim to inspire and mobilize young people. Additionally, the newly established "New Taipei Green Innovation Base" in Tucheng supports digital transformation in traditional industries, aligns with SDGs and net-zero carbon reduction trends, and offers ESG-related courses to cultivate green talent. Commissioner Qiu encouraged interested youth to explore environmental sustainability activities on the Youth Department’s official website.
The afternoon sessions focused on innovative technologies, sustainable living, and cross-generational communication. This year’s forum also introduced the "Climate Action Team Creative Proposal" competition, inviting Taiwanese youth to identify climate issues and propose solutions. Selected teams presented their ideas and engaged in meaningful discussions with international youth activists, furthering the dialogue on sustainability.
The forum concluded with closing remarks by Professor Shin-Cheng Yeh from National Taiwan Normal University’s Institute of Sustainability, who also serves as Deputy Director of the New Taipei City Climate Change Response Steering Committee. Professor Yeh emphasized that climate change is an undeniable global reality and encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices in everyday life. He commended the youth for their creativity and proactive efforts in shaping a sustainable future.
