On October 1-2, the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) International Workshop on Climate Change Impacts on the Ocean was held in Kaohsiung, marking the first time that Taiwan’s GCTF event was co-hosted by a local government. This milestone event brought together experts from 21 countries, with Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lo Ta-sheng extending a warm welcome to leading figures from academia, industry, and government, particularly those specializing in climate change and marine science. In his opening remarks, Deputy Mayor Lo underscored Kaohsiung’s role as Taiwan’s largest port city and its active pursuit of climate adaptation strategies as a developing “smart port.” The workshop, conducted both in-person and online, saw lively participation from 161 attendees. Director-General of the Department of Administrative and International Affairs Chang Yen-ching expressed hope that the event would give international guests insight into Kaohsiung’s urban transformation efforts, thereby enhancing the city’s visibility on the global stage and fostering new international partnerships.
Since its founding in 2015, this was the first time GCTF held an event in Kaohsiung. The Kaohsiung City Government co-hosted the workshop with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the American Institute in Taiwan, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, the Australian Office, the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, the Ocean Affairs Council, and the National Human Rights Commission. The opening ceremony featured Deputy Mayor Lo Ta-sheng, National Human Rights Commission Chairperson Chen Chu, and Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Representative Kazuyuki Katayama, underscoring the commitment of partner nations to deepen collaborative efforts with like-minded countries.
Highlighting Kaohsiung’s advancements in port city governance, Deputy Mayor Lo detailed the city’s use of smart technology to drive the dual-axis of digital and net-zero transitions while bolstering international cooperation. In response to climate change, Kaohsiung has launched initiatives including ocean carbon sequestration projects, seagrass restoration, and mangrove planting, aimed at mitigating climate impact. The city is also promoting low-carbon agriculture and fishing practices, striving for a sustainable blue economy that supports both environmental health and economic growth. Deputy Mayor Lo expressed hope that the workshop would inspire international cooperation in addressing climate and marine environmental issues.
As Taiwan's representative harbor city, Kaohsiung City Government invited distinguished international speakers, including Ambassador Donya L. Francis of St. Kitts and Nevis, Chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa of Suva City in Fiji, and Juan Francisco Salcido Burruel, an international consultant from Sonora, Mexico. Together, they explored governance strategies for island and port cities adapting to climate change, sustainable blue economy initiatives, and other key topics.
Representing Kaohsiung City Government, Director-General Chang introduced the city’s development as a modern port city, spotlighting Kaohsiung Port’s evolution, the Pier-2 Art Center, and achievements in sectors like semiconductors, concert economics, green transportation, and international relations. She acknowledged the success of the GCTF workshop, extending thanks to the organizing bodies for attracting esteemed international guests and city representatives. Facing global climate challenges, Kaohsiung is eager to share its insights and explore new opportunities for cooperation, with a vision of elevating its global profile through participation in international events.