Strengthening Sustainable Governance: National and Local Governments Lead the Way
In a decisive push toward the 2050 net-zero target, Taiwanese enterprises are ramping up efforts to align with international standards, while government agencies at all levels continue to strengthen their sustainable governance initiatives. Ambassador Eugene Chien, Chairman of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE), has called for enhanced public-private collaboration, emphasizing the importance of transparent sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement in charting Taiwan's course toward a sustainable future.
A government sustainability governance workshop, jointly organized by TAISE and the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration on the 6th, drew 420 participants both in-person and online. The event facilitated experience sharing among public sectors while featuring insights from industry leaders and professional organizations on global trends and private sector strategies.
▲A government sustainability governance workshop, jointly organized by TAISE and the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration on the 6th, drew 420 participants both in-person and online.
Joe Chen, senior partner at Deloitte Taiwan, highlighted the mounting pressure on organizations worldwide due to stricter sustainability disclosure requirements and carbon management policies. Beyond energy concerns, he noted that AI development, digital transformation, and just transition have become global focal points. Chen advocated for public-private collaboration in addressing environmental challenges while promoting social inclusion, emphasizing the need for capacity building, technological advancement, and data-driven approaches.
"While government typically takes time to study new policies, we no longer have the luxury of waiting when it comes to sustainability," statedMinister of Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, Su Chun-Jung. The administration has recently launched extensive training programs and organized international study tours to Europe and Japan for senior officials. Su noted that while Taiwan's six special municipalities are making rapid progress in net-zero initiatives, the remaining 16 counties and cities need to accelerate their efforts.
Starting with department heads' training and cascading to key personnel across units, civic associations, and educational institutions, Tainan City is systematically integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into urban governance and daily life, while elevating Taiwan's global presence. MeiguiChu, Senior Engineer at Tainan's Environmental Protection Bureau, highlighted that during Tainan's 400th anniversary this year, the city hosted an SDGs-focused forum featuring Japanese scholars and arranged for dignitaries from 22 countries to tour net-zero demonstration sites, including the ShalunSmart Green Science City, via electric buses. During COP28, Mayor Huang Wei-cheshowcased the "Tainan Experience" through a pre-recorded video, while the Environmental Protection Bureau Chief traveled to Dubai for international exchanges, reinforcing Tainan's commitment to global sustainable partnerships.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs is spearheading Taiwan's industrial transformation with a comprehensive three-pronged strategy, as revealed by Pan Chien-cheng, Deputy Head of the Industrial Development Bureau's Sustainable Development Division. Responding to global net-zero trends, the bureau has implemented workforce upskilling, manufacturing guidance, and transformation subsidies, complemented by a one-stop service window to streamline business support. With an investment of NT$10.9 billion over three years, the initiative has already assisted over 3,300 companies and trained more than 17,000 individuals through expert consultation and digital tools. The program's success is evident in its first-quarter results, with 1,895 companies receiving transformation subsidies, fostering a mentorship ecosystem where larger companies guide smaller ones throughout the supply chain transformation journey. 
▲Ambassador Eugene Chien, TAISE Chairman (third from left), and Su Chun-jung, Minister of Directorate-General of Personnel Administration (center) with distinguished guests at the government sustainability governance workshop.
In a significant move toward sustainability transparency, all 22 counties and cities across Taiwan, along with 30 central government ministries, have completed their Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Jen-Yu Yeh, Senior Manager at the Foundation of Taiwan Industry Service, who has extensive experience assisting local governments with sustainability reporting, emphasizes four crucial principles for advancing report quality: distinctiveness, conciseness, comprehensiveness, and stakeholder engagement. Yeh advises that beyond highlighting unique characteristics, organizations should prioritize addressing their weaker areas and focus on year-over-year self-improvement rather than external comparisons. "The goal is not to compete with others but to track internal progress," Yeh notes, adding that continuous adjustment and setting more ambitious targets are essential for strengthening sustainable governance. This systematic approach to sustainability reporting demonstrates Taiwan's commitment to transparent and progressive environmental, social, and governance practices.