Delaware County Hosts Taiwan Delegation as Part of Global Sustainability Dialogue
Released: August 19, 2024
Delaware County Hosts Taiwan Delegation as Part of Global Sustainability Dialogue
Office of Sustainability showcases local sustainability initiatives to visitors from Kaohsiung City
Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, County Executive Director Barbara O’Malley, the Delaware County Office of Sustainability, the Delaware County Planning Department, and the Delaware County Soil Conservation District were honored to host an environmental delegation from Taiwan to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing international efforts to address climate change.
During their visit to Delaware County, the ten-member delegation from Kaohsiung City, Taiwan shared a presentation on Taiwan’s “New Generation Environmental Education” policy, developed by the Taiwan Ministry of Education, which guides local governments toward sustainability. The delegation emphasized the importance of instilling sustainability stewardship in the next generation.
As part of their efforts, Taiwan has also implemented a universal education policy that integrates sustainability into the curriculum for all students from 1st through 12th grade, ensuring that environmental considerations are adopted at an early age while empowering children to be innovative in their decision making.
“It’s inspiring to know that a global network of individuals and organizations is working together to address the challenges of climate change,” said County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “We know that we can’t do it alone, and it’s through these international partnerships that we can learn from each other and make meaningful progress.”
Delaware County’s presentation focused on the County’s sustainability plan, Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delaware County.
The County highlighted its efforts to engage the community and empower residents to drive the community-wide changes necessary to combat the increasingly severe effects of climate change. The County also showcased its ongoing community education and outreach initiatives, which introduced a new concept to the visiting delegation.
In addition to the formal presentations, the delegation toured the County’s ceremonial courtroom and participated in an informal discussion in the cafeteria, where Delaware County officials shared insights on their partnership with Capozzoli’s Café to reduce waste.
“It was an incredible experience meeting with the delegates from Kaohsiung,” said Interim Chief Sustainability Officer Rebecca Yurkovich, “Learning about how they are building sustainability stewardship in the next generation through comprehensive and hands-on education was truly inspiring.”
Also joining the two delegations were Justin J. Harris, Climate Equity Collaborator at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), who facilitated the connection between the groups; Shikha Miglani, a Philadelphia-based consultant supporting WWF relations; and Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, who contributed valuable insights and engaged in thoughtful discussions.
For more information about Delaware County’s sustainability efforts, including the latest edition of the County’s sustainability plan, Sustain Delco: A Sustainability Plan for Delaware County, visit the Delaware County website at DelcoPA.gov/Sustainability .
