Mr. Camdessus, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; Vice Foreign Minister Sopoaga of Tuvalu; Senator Garriaud-Maylam of France; Mr. Laursen, Environment Policy Officer of the European Commission; IFRI Executive Director Mr. David; Director Ledoux of the European Economic and Trade Office; Director Poimboef of the French Institute; Father Vermander, Director of the Ricci Institute; Minister Wong of the Council for Cultural Affairs; Mayor Chen of Kaohsiung City; Deputy Foreign Minister Yang; Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning and greetings to you all.
It is my great pleasure to attend the International Conference on "Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Development: A Dialogue between Europe and Taiwan". Information revolution has brought about the era of globalization. In a fast-changing and globalized society, there is a need to standardize information and production models. Thus, diversification and differentiation have been replaced by the need for consistency. Under such circumstances, how can we maintain diversity and richness of the Earth and human civilization? How can we possibly maintain development without over-consumption or unequal distribution of resources, which affects our sustainable existence? These issues confront the entire world today.
Over the past few years, the international community has paid full attention to and discussed sustainable development issues, such as water resources and global warming. In some instances, discussion has led to treaties and international agreements. However, we believe that challenges to sustainable development do not just exist on the technical level. Diversified cultural resources are needed to provide more comprehensive and thorough solutions. Diversified cultures can give birth to an enriched system of values, while fostering creativity and the ability to adapt. Just as biodiversity enhances nature's ability to adjust, it also allows nature to resist attack and harm from viruses. Creating a diversified cultural environment is equally important. It enables people of a rapidly changing society to reach a foothold for their meaning of existence. This in turn gives them the ability to find balance and stability in response to dramatic economic and social changes.
In both the past and present, Taiwan's unique geographic location and historical factors have attracted a variety of immigrants who seek a new life. The aborigines have long thrived on this land. In the 16th century, Europeans from the Netherlands, Spain and the Great Britain came; so did ethnic Han Chinese from Zhangzhou and Quanzhou. From the 19th century to the mid-20th century, the Japanese were here, soon to be followed by Chinese immigrants brought over by the KMT government. Moreover, since the end of last century, Taiwan has seen an influx of foreign workers and spouses from Southeast Asia. Mass migrations have been frequent, and the newcomers have brought with them diverse ethnic cultures. Therefore, on this relatively small island of Taiwan, exquisite Chinese artifacts can be seen in the National Palace Museum. The southern branch of the National Palace Museum will feature collections from Southeast Asian ethnic groups. By the same token, Taiwan has established aboriginal and Hakka television stations and cultural parks, so the public can easily come in contact with and understand such diverse ethnic cultures. Our diverse and numerous cultures stimulate and enrich each other, giving birth to our rich and unique cultural soil. They have helped lay a solid foundation for Taiwan's rapid growth over the past half a century.
While Taiwan demonstrates and shares the richness of its diverse culture with the world, we never forget our obligation as a member of the global community. Although Taiwan is not yet a member of the United Nations or UNESCO, it still insists on fulfilling its responsibility to protect cultural diversity and ensure sustainable development, and abides by relevant international rules and regulations.
In terms of promoting sustainable development, Taiwan upholds the spirit of the UN Rio Declaration, and in 2000, formulated the "21st Century Agenda of Taiwan" as a foundation for national policy. At the same time, the National Council for Sustainable Development was established under the Executive Yuan to conduct research and international cooperation on sustainable development and education. Furthermore, the "Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol Response Task Force" was set up to strengthen measures for responding to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.
In response to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (also known as the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Diversity), Taiwan is actively looking into its potential impact, and holds forums to increase the public awareness and understanding of the convention. In addition, the International Symposium on Cultural Diversity Policy and Practice under the International Trading System will be held in June this year. It aims to explore solutions that balance the protection of cultural diversity with trade liberalization. It also hopes to identify elements in our diverse cultural reservoirs that are crucial for sustainable development.
In the face of a deteriorating global environment, we are confronted with a multitude of problems. Therefore, I want to hereby call for the creation of a World Environmental Organization (WEO): an institution that governs and manages the global environment; an institution that integrates the strengths of individual nations and offers comprehensive solutions to the world's environmental problems. It must be established soon. Taiwan wants to take the initiative and invite other countries with the same vision to join us in hastening the birth of a WEO.
Taiwan has been a member in the World Trade Organization, and strives to join the World Health Organization (WHO). After all, free trade, a healthy existence, sustainable development, democracy and human rights are universal values that we, the people of Taiwan uphold and cherish.
I am most honored to present the Life Sustainability Award, on behalf of the Ricci Institute, to the ten recipients here today. They have contributed much to our culture, to environmental protection and to promoting community awareness. I want to commend their achievements and I hope that they will become our role models, inspiring us to show the same kind of passion for safeguarding our beloved homeland of Taiwan and our precious Earth.
In closing, let me extend my sincere appreciation to the conference sponsors and staff members for their hard work. I wish this conference a great success, and the best of health and prosperity to each of you. Thank you very much!