posted by: sharon
—a collaboration between CSOs and government
Taiwan Alliance in International Development (Taiwan AID) held the “Enabling Environment (EE) Workshop” with nearly 50 participants from CSOs, academy, and government in March 16th, 2015, in Taipei, Taiwan. Representatives from CSOs, administrative and legislative branches also joined the round table to discuss the current relations between government and CSOs on Taiwan’s international aid and development.
Systematic introduction of EE for CSOs and citizens in Taiwan
The keynote speaker Dr. Akio Takayanagi introduced the history and current development of “Enabling Environment” around the world, particularly how it is adapted by the United Nations and other major donors, and how this affected CSOs’ work in international development and cooperation. The participants also provided feedback such as the current social and political situation related to civil society development in Taiwan during the Q&A session.
↑The keynote speaker: Dr. Akio Takayanagi from JANIC
Round table creates dialogue between CSOs, legislation and administration department
Representatives from Legislative Yuan, MOFA and CSOs shared their perspectives of EE and international development in the round-table session. Legislator Bi-khim Hsiao highlighted that most of the major multilateral donors, including the UN, have had certain inclusive mechanism for CSO’s consulting. Yu-Feng Huang, the Senior Executive Officer on Taiwan MOFA Department of CSO International Affairs, elaborated the MOFA’s policies on CSO cooperation under the special context of Taiwan’s international situation, including the establishment of the Department.
↑From the right side: Legislator Bi-khim Hsiao, Executive Director of Taiwan AID Jay Hung, Senior Executive Officer Yu-Feng Huang (Taiwan MOFA Department of CSO International Affairs), Chair of Taiwan AID Rebecca Wang, Dr Akio Takayanagi, Section Chief Serena Chang (Eden Foundation)
Appeal to increase the government ODA budget and modify the “International Cooperation and Development Act”
Jay Hung, Executive Director of Taiwan AID, raised 3 propositions for Enabling Environment of Taiwan’s CSO: 1) increase the official development assistance (ODA) budgets to international standards; 2) institutionalize the partnership between government and CSOs; and 3) modify the “International Cooperation and Development Act”, such as to redefine the CSO as the “development actors” partner with government and to authorize the MOFA to coordinate with other Ministries. Rebecca Wang, Chair of Taiwan AID, also echoed the proposition and suggested more government funding for CSO international cooperation to enhance ODA effectiveness and cooperation between the government and CSOs.
↑Executive Director Jay Hung advocate for the reformation on Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Act
Taiwan AID is the first CSO platform organization dedicated to international development with nearly 30 organization members in Taiwan. Partnership with CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE) and Asia Development Alliance (ADA), Taiwan AID is working on making connection to the international CSO community and introducing the most updated trend of international development to Taiwanese CSOs.