The SDGs Asia Exhibition was hosted by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE) with the National Council for Sustainable Development of the Executive Yuan and the Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (A‧SDGs) as co-organizers. The opening ceremony was launched in conjunction with the 2023 Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards ceremony, where top sustainable leaders from various sectors and both public and private entities who are dedicated to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals gathered, showcasing Taiwan's vibrant sustainability capacity.

Premier Chen Chien-Jen attended the opening ceremony and presented awards to recipients, affirming the efforts of all winners and exhibitors in enhancing Taiwan's sustainable future and actively aligning with the international community. He emphasized that Taiwan President Tsai announced the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and the government has subsequently established policies, regulations, and organizational adjustments. Alongside the enactment of the Climate Change Adaption Act earlier this year, the Executive Yuan also approved the Net-Zero Emissions Roadmap and Net-Zero Technology Plan. The Environmental Protection Administration will be restructured into the Ministry of Environment next month, and the Taiwan Stock Exchange will establish the Taiwan Carbon Solution Exchange. While achieving net-zero emissions is a formidable task, it is firmly believed that with the collective engagement of the government, businesses, and citizens, it can be realized, creating a brighter future for generations to come.

In alignment with the national goal and pathway towards net-zero emissions by 2050, this year's exhibition centered around the theme, Towards a Net Zero Future. It encompassed seven major zones that presented the implementation status of national sustainability goals and efforts across public and private sectors. The policy and city zones, central ministries and nine municipalities and counties—Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu County, Chiayi City, and Yunlin County—all actively conveyed policy content through various creative means. The energy, corporations, living, education, and NGO zones corresponded to the government's four transition strategies in the fields of energy, industry, life, and society.

This year, the Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards received 79 and 321 submissions respectively, totaling 400 proposals. Following rigorous evaluation by over a hundred scholars, experts, and eminent members of society, 68 and 279 exceptional action plans were selected from the outstanding initiatives received. In the category of Livable and Sustainable City Award, Kaohsiung City, Taichung City, and Taipei City were each awarded Outstanding City, while New Taipei City and Tainan City were recognized as Excellence City.

Source: Economic Daily News