Participants gather for a group photo.

The New Taipei City Government, in partnership with the Swedish Trade & Invest Council hosted the New Taipei X Sweden Smart Low-Carbon Cities Roundtable Forum today (Dec. 9). The event was co-organized by the New Taipei City Architects Association and the National Association of Professional Applied Geologists. Bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as leading sustainability-focused enterprises, the forum facilitated in-depth cross-sector dialogue on renewable energy, geothermal development, and smart low-carbon architecture.
 
In his remarks, Deputy Secretary-General Ke Ching-chung emphasized that Sweden’s advancements in renewable energy and green architecture offer valuable lessons for Taiwan. He recalled accompanying Mayor Hou Yu-ih on a visit to Northern Europe, during which Sweden’s social welfare system, long-term care model, and approach to sustainable governance made a strong impression on him. He also witnessed firsthand the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the city level. Ke added that he was pleased to gather with partners from across sectors to exchange views on critical issues such as sustainable energy and urban resilience. He expressed hope that New Taipei City will continue to work closely with cities from around the world, as well as with both the public and private sectors, to advance sustainable development and create a resilient and thriving city for all.


Deputy Secretary-General Ke Ching-chung (right) exchanges greetings with Representative Helena Reitberger of Sweden (left).

Representative Helena Reitberger of the Swedish Trade & Invest Council noted that Sweden enjoys a global reputation for excellence in innovation and sustainability. She highlighted that Sweden ranked second worldwide in both the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Global Innovation Index 2025 and the 2025 SDG Index. These rankings reflect the country’s strong commitment to green transformation, a priority it shares with Taiwan. Reitberger emphasized that the green transition is not only about environmental protection, but also a key driver of industrial innovation and economic growth. Sweden’s experience demonstrates how sustainability can advance progress across sectors. Reitberger expressed hope that the forum would deepen the exchange between Sweden and New Taipei City, building partnerships capable of making a meaningful impact. She added that Sweden looks forward to expanding its collaboration with New Taipei City in areas such as energy and sustainable development.     
 

Forum speakers engage in a Q&A session with the audience.

During the forum, the New Taipei City Government’s Economic Development Department and the Department of Environmental Protection delivered briefings on the city’s net-zero transition and overall roadmap. Representatives from several renowned Swedish sustainability companies, including Camfil Taiwan, Envac, Assa Abloy, and Baseload, also presented their latest technologies and case studies. Their presentations covered topics such as the energy-saving benefits of filtration technology in green buildings, the carbon-reduction impact of pneumatic waste conveyance systems (PWCS), sustainable and secure design in smart access-control systems, as well as global trends and technological advancements in geothermal energy development.