International workshop highlights public-private cooperation in disaster response

International workshop highlights public-private cooperation in disaster response
Geopolitics
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Jeremy Cornforth Deputy Director | American Institute in Taiwan

The Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) is hosting an international workshop titled “Global Public-Private Partnerships in HA/DR: Disaster Governance and Sustainable Operation” from June 23–25, 2025, in Taipei. This event marks the 10th anniversary of GCTF, a platform dedicated to promoting democratic collaboration and resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.

In response to increasing global risks such as natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, Taiwan is collaborating with the international community. The workshop features over 150 participants, including 47 international attendees from 34 countries. These participants include senior government officials, humanitarian professionals, and private-sector leaders.

Kazuyuki Katayama of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA) and Minister Cheng-Wen Wu of Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Mami Mizutori, a Specially Appointed Professor at Tohoku University and former UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, provided insights on global disaster governance during her keynote address.

The program includes six thematic sessions and two panel discussions focusing on NGOs' roles, public-private collaboration in disaster resilience, advanced technologies like AI, early warning systems, and best practices in international coordination. Speakers include representatives from GE Vernova, Family Mart Taiwan, Chunghwa Telecom, NHK Japan, and disaster management agencies from Germany, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

On June 25th, field visits will showcase Taiwan's disaster preparedness capabilities. Participants will visit the Tzu Chi Foundation for demonstrations of humanitarian technologies and other key sites like the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR) and Taipei’s Central Emergency Operation Center.

GCTF was founded in 2015 as a capacity-building platform through which Taiwan shares its expertise on global issues. It is jointly administered by several organizations including the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), JTEA, Australian Office Taipei (AO), and Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT).

Since its inception, GCTF has organized 88 international workshops covering topics such as public health and cybersecurity. Over 10,000 individuals from 133 countries have participated in these events. Additionally, GCTF has held overseas events worldwide to further extend its reach.

For more information about GCTF activities or initiatives visit their website at https://www.gctf.tw/.