Humanitarian assistance disaster response workshop starts in Taipei

Taipei, June 23 (CNA) A three-day international workshop on humanitarian assistance and disaster responses kicked off in Taipei on Monday to promote cross-border partnerships worldwide, according to one of the event's organizers.

The workshop titled "Global Public-Private Partnerships in HA/DR [humanitarian assistance/disaster response]: Disaster Governance and Sustainable Operation" was launched in Taipei, with the opening addresses made by Japan's top envoy to Taiwan Kazuyuki Katayama and Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文), according to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

AIT is the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic ties and one of the organizers of the event from Monday through Wednesday.

The program was attended by more than 150 participants, including 47 international participants from 34 countries and regions, including senior government officials, humanitarian aid professionals, and private-sector leaders who met in Taipei, AIT said.

The program will explore the role of NGOs, public-private collaboration in building disaster resilience, the application of advanced technologies such as AI and early warning systems, and practices in international coordination through six thematic sessions and two panel discussions, it added.

After day two, the participants of the program will take a closer look at Taiwan's capabilities in disaster preparedness and coordination with stops including the Tzu Chi Foundation for a demonstration of innovative humanitarian technologies, the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, and Taipei's Central Emergency Operation Center, the AIT press statement said.

The GCTF was launched in 2015 by Taiwan and the U.S. as a platform that allows Taiwan to share its expertise on and contribute to global issues alongside global partners, as Taipei has been sidelined at major international organizations due to Chinese pressure.

Japan, Australia and Canada joined the GCTF as full partners in 2019, 2021 and 2024, respectively.

Since its launch, the GCTF has held 88 international workshops on such topics as public health, law enforcement cooperation, women's empowerment, energy efficiency, e-commerce, cybersecurity, HA/DR, and media literacy.

Over 10,000 government officials, experts, and civil society representatives from 133 countries have participated in these events that were held locally and in 17 countries worldwide, AIT said.