Youth Development 結果共9筆

Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu hosts a tea party for NGOs at Taipei Guest House, highlighting Taiwan’s achievements in international cooperation and citizen diplomacy. Over 160 representatives from various fields attend the event themed ＂Necessary, Growing, Outstanding.＂ Wu praises NGO partners for their role in making Taiwan a hub for freedom, democracy, and humanitarian care, as well as attracting globally recognized NGOs to the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledges to support NGOs in promoting international participation and citizen diplomacy.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education’s ’108 curriculum’ has brought about new educational outcomes, as noted by Premier Chen Chien-jen. The 2022 International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS 2022) by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) reveals that Taiwanese students have achieved top global rankings in civic knowledge, gender equality, and ethnic group equality. The government’s efforts to strengthen education through the new curriculum have also been recognized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Among 81 countries assessed, Taiwanese students ranked third in mathematics literacy, fourth in science, and fifth in reading. Premier Chen emphasized that these achievements highlight Taiwan’s exceptional students and demonstrate the nation’s commitment to investing in education. The OECD evaluation further solidifies Taiwan’s position on the world stage for educational accomplishments, showcasing the effectiveness of its educational policies and curriculum advancements. Premier Chen expressed confidence in Taiwan’s youth and the government’s education approach, stating that these high rankings represent a valuable investment in the future generations of Taiwan.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has announced an extension of childcare policies, promising free after-school care services for elementary students aged 6 to 12. This initiative aims to double the current capacity of after-school care in public elementary schools from 180,000 to 360,000 children, with a focus on providing specialized care to children in rural areas and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Hou’s plan includes establishing after-school programs in public elementary schools to meet 100% of the demand, increasing student coverage from 15% to 30% and meeting the standard set by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The policy, guided by the ＂Three Safeties＂ principle, aims to ensure parental peace of mind, child safety, and stability for the disadvantaged. Extended care until 7 p.m. will be available during the school term and vacations. Additionally, the initiative seeks to expand private-sector participation in after-school care services by creating a matching platform to add over 20,000 new classes and increasing the proportion of outsourced after-school care to over 20%. The anticipated benefits of this policy include providing services to approximately 300,000 families, including 80,000 disadvantaged families, creating around 30,000 job opportunities, and strengthening the service capacity of private institutions.

A civilian group from Taiwan, the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition (TWYCC), unveiled the ＂Songshan Declaration＂ at a side event related to the upcoming 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai. The declaration calls for fair transition strategies to combat climate change. TWYCC representative Gina Lee highlighted the controversial solar energy development in Tainan’s Qigu area, discussing its negative impact on local aquaculture fishers. The group also explored examples of just transition, such as solar development in Cigu and the electrification of scooters, expressing concern about the government’s lack of dialogue with youth. The ＂Songshan Declaration＂ was jointly initiated by stakeholders from Taiwan’s industries, government, academia, and civil society, pledging to enforce the Climate Change Response Act and engage in the global stocktake. Chen Hui-ping, Chairperson of the Taiwan Green Energy for Charity Association, shared experiences of enabling social change through the ＂Green Well (GW) 100+＂ initiative, which has installed solar power systems for underprivileged communities and conducted energy audits and equipment replacements in social welfare institutions. The association emphasized that their model of green charity fosters wider stakeholder participation and contributes positively to the energy transition.

The 2023 Taoyuan FuturePeak Expo successfully brought together 100 youth startup teams from seven cities and counties in the region, showcasing their innovative prowess. The exhibition featured programs, ＂Startup Lectures,＂ and an ＂International Forum＂ aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang emphasized the importance of cross-municipality collaboration and international connections to propel Taiwanese youth startups onto the global stage. The city government is providing support for these emerging teams, including an interest subsidy on loans and cross-regional and international exchange activities. The expo was a joint initiative among the Hutoushan Innovation Hub, Taoyuan Aerotropolis Company, the Asia Silicon Valley Development Agency (ASVDA), National Central University, and Shinkong Synthetic Fibers Corporation. Notable industry veterans shared insights on entrepreneurial perspectives and industry trends during the event’s ＂Startup Lectures＂ and ＂International Forum＂ segments. This expo marks a milestone for local youth startups, providing them with exposure, insights, and opportunities to shape Taiwan’s innovative future.

The campaign spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, Chen Shih-kai, has called on Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih to clarify his stance on allowing Chinese workers into Taiwan. Chen expressed concerns about the impact on the employment of Taiwan’s youth and requested an outline of supporting measures. This request for clarification follows Hou’s proposal to promote increased cross-strait exchanges, including opening up to Chinese tourists and students. Chen criticized Hou’s policy, suggesting it aimed to help alleviate China’s youth unemployment problems. He highlighted Taiwan’s strong economic abilities, contrasting it with Hong Kong’s declining stock market due to Chinese government control. Chen also criticized China’s lack of transparency regarding its economic downturn and high unemployment rate. He emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s economic development and integration with the global community, stating that the future direction of Taiwan depends on its leadership. These remarks reflect the DPP’s stance on maintaining a strong local economy and labor market while considering broader cross-strait policies and potential socioeconomic impacts.

Taipei City Councilor Yu Shu-hui questions Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s decision-making in expanding the services of the Taipei Youth Bureau, claiming that the bureau’s resources are spread too thin over nearly a million people. Yu proposes that the definition of ＂youth＂ should be limited to individuals aged 15-24, in line with the Work Force Development Agency’s definition. Mayor Chiang argues that the age limit was raised to 45 to accommodate individuals who start their businesses later in life. Chiang promises to review the positioning of the Youth Bureau’s services in response to Yu’s concerns.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revived the ROTC program to enhance its military capabilities amid growing cross-strait tensions. Students receive full government subsidies, with five years of army service upon graduation. This development aims to address the pressing need for more military personnel.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an visits Seoul for the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum 2023, focusing on city diplomacy and youth development. He meets with Mayor Oh Se-hoon and signs a significant MOU, bolstering ties between the two cities. Stay updated with this diplomatic event.