SVG participates in forum on deploying digital tools to respond to the COVID-19

Republic of China (Taiwan), the United States, Japan and Guatemala successfully staged the first Global Cooperation and Training Framework for Latin America and the Caribbean, On September 8.

The forum, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was hosted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, and the government of Guatemala. The webinar focused on helping countries deploy digital tools to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and conduct coronavirus-combating efforts and post-pandemic recovery plans as well. More than 200 experts and officials from 25 countries throughout the region, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, participated in the forum to share their experiences and thoughts on fighting the pandemic.

During the webinar, Taiwan Digital Minister Audrey Tang, experts from Canada and Japan discussed a range of topics, including: the use of technology to overcome workplace challenges posed by the pandemic; the power of data to build resilience to global epidemic threats; and the use of artificial intelligence to limit the spread of the disease.

They also interacted with the participating professionals from 25 countries via web connection. Taiwan Vice Minister Tsao in the opening remarks said Taiwan is on the front lines of international pandemic management measures, and is working tirelessly to support related efforts of allies and friendly nations across Latin America and the Caribbean; Taiwan government is grateful for recognition of this contribution with support for the country’s meaningful participation in the World Health Organization by partners such as the U.S., Japan and Canada.

In the concluding remarks, AIT Director Brent Christensen commended Taiwan’s value on democracy and Taiwan set the standard for transparency the whole world has much to learn from Taiwan’s example; he emphasized the US-Taiwan relationship as ‘Real Friends, Real Progress,’ and said the U.S. remains committed to expanding Taiwan’s international space and encourage all of US partners in the Western Hemisphere to continue to expand their own relationships with Taiwan.