The International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York co-hosted a conference titled on Thursday. The theme “Utilizing smart technology and sustainable development to improve livability in growing cities” echoes the recent annual High-Level Political Forum 2023 hosted by the United Nations.
ICDF’s Deputy Secretary-General Alex Shyy (史立軍) shared how Taiwan utilized modern technology to assist its diplomatic allies in building a more resilient and safe urban environment. In Belize, ICDF incorporated remote sensing and satellite images to establish a warning system. The system ensures evacuations three hours ahead before a hurricane hits. ICDF also helped build a smart bus management system in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to enhance its traffic efficiency and public security.
The Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the UN, Nerys Dockery, also delivered a keynote speech at the conference. She expressed her gratitude to Taiwan for its assistance in chronic disease prevention, microfinance, women’s economic empowerment, and waste management projects in the past 40 years. Dockery credited Taiwan as an indelible partner for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
TECO Director-General Alex Lee (李光章) said Taiwan is devoted to building a more resilient and sustainable living environment, and is eager to exchange experiences with the world. Lee said Taiwan looks forward to collaborating with like-minded countries in terms of climate change adaptation strategies and urban resilience.