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Hosted by Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals (A‧SDGs), executed by Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, with experts gathered from industry, government agency, academics, and research institute. 2020 The 3rd Global Corporate Sustainability Forum (GCSF) kick off with Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, November 18 at The Grand Hotel. President of Republic of China (Taiwan), Tsai Ing-Wen, Vice Premier, Shen Jong-Chin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Joseph Wu, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr. Wen-Sheng Tseng, Minister of Economic Affairs, Mr. Chuan-Neng Lin, and Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, Dr. Chung-Liang Shih, attended as distinguished guest in presenting the awards. Mr. Filip Grzegorzewski, Head of Office of European Economic and Trade Office along with representatives and ambassadors from over 10 countries attended the ceremony. The ceremony awarded winners of the 13th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Award (TCSA) and the 3rd Global Corporate Sustainability Award (GCSA). The awards are presented to companies, organizations, and individuals, witnessed by thousands of people.

President of Republic of China (Taiwan), Tsai Ing-Wen, appreciated Taiwanese companies for their commitment in realizing corporate sustainability. President Tsai especially appreciated Amb Eugene Chien for in leading Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Award (TCSA) which enters its 13th years, which increase the number of companies implement sustainability as its corporate DNA. A‧SDGs has not only awarded Global Corporate Sustainability Award to the entire world but also created Asia’s largest corporate sustainability forum. Under the pandemic worldwide, Taiwan has successfully maintained the pandemic under control which helps maintaining the global platform. Combining with SDGs, green recovery is the main focus of many countries. Government and industries can learn together through Global Corporate Sustainability Forum, exploring possibility of different action plans, to further share Taiwan’s experience with.

The ceremony was successfully held despite the global COVID-19 pandemic throughout the year. This is a result of public-private partnership, Taiwan’s ability and capability towards sustainable development can be shown to the rest of the world. Chairman of A‧SDGs and GCSF, Dr. Eugene Chien congratulate the award winners and appreciated the attendance of President Tsai and the distinguished guests. Dr. Chien noted that the outstanding result from Taiwanese government’s pandemic prevention measure led to Taiwan’s economy growth in a year of economic recession, he further insisted that companies should be proactive in response to carbon neutral era in 2050.

The award ceremony for the 3rd GCSA and the 13th TCSA was held subsequent to the opening ceremony, companies, organizations, and individuals are being awarded. A total of 252 companies participate in TCSA this year showing a growth of 28% setting a historical level. There is a total of 29 universities and 14 hospitals participate, both have shown 3 times growth from prior year. The total number of companies participated has reached 364 since establishment, in which the total revenue those companies generated is 145% compare to the annual GDP in Taiwan in 2019. A review team made up of 486 qualified volunteer reviewers along with 182 well-known experts and scholars, a total of 668 jointly participated in the selection, with objectivity, fairness, and impartiality in the process of evaluation in 2020.

Entries were received from 11 countries for GCSA in 2020, the review process was rigorous with 20 companies and individuals received 22 awards in the 3 major awards. TCSA Outstanding Professional is awarded to Chairperson of TECO Electronic & Machinery Co., Ltd, Sophia Chiu. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company achieved first place in Top 10 Taiwanese Companies Sustainability Model Awards (Manufacturing Industry). E.SUN Financial Holding Company. Ltd and Taiwan Mobile Co., Ltd tied the first place for Top 10 Taiwanese Companies Sustainability Model Awards (Service Industry). Panasonic is awarded Outstanding Foreign Companies Award. Chunghwa Telecom and Far Eastern New Century awarded report of the year. A total of 192 companies participate in English and Chinese reporting award setting a new record. Furthermore, a total of 115 companies, universities, and hospitals awarded best practice for SDGs.

Dr. Chien noted that sustainable investment and green finance has grown as a result of joint efforts between the public and private sectors. The 2-day forum gathers partner including the Big 3 accounting firms and investment consultants, who led a series of dialogues, workshops, and seminars. These sessions bring the latest global trends in sustainability, creating new ESG value, strengthen climate resilience, and supply chain relationship, leading to green transformation and sustainable development.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide in 2020, the host specially hosted 3 online seminars prior to the physical forum from November 18 to 19. The 3 online seminars focus on Sustainable Investment, Innovation driven sustainability & Inclusive Sustainable Development. These seminars are held for those international experts and professionals who are not able to travel to share their knowledge and the latest trends. Overall, 96 speakers from 11 countries were gathered speak about their updated trends, ideas, and experiences to over 2,500 audiences from 30 countries. It is foreseeable that Global Corporate Sustainability Forum with 18 seminars and dialogue held in combination of both online and physical form, will bring forth different ideas and prospects to local and international audiences who are interested in sustainable development. This creates a new normal in the post-pandemic era in the journey towards sustainable development.