【Text: Wu Ya-Hui, Secretary of the Office of the Vice President; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】

【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】 

【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】 

2025-01-09 The National University of Kaohsiung, the Disaster Prevention and Reduction Office of Kaohsiung City Government, and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Kaohsiung Office jointly hosted the "Japan-Taiwan Disaster Prevention Week in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 2025" forum. The event featured discussions on earthquake disaster experiences, demonstrations of disaster prevention technologies, and the opening of the first overseas photography exhibition of “Shipbuilding Chronicle”. This forum highlighted the achievements of Japan-Taiwan cooperation in disaster prevention and rescue, as well as the National University of Kaohsiung's efforts in promoting university social responsibility, climate governance, and related academic research.

The forum was held in the Distance Learning Classroom of the Library and Information Building at the National University of Kaohsiung. Attendees included Chi-Jen Chen, President of NUK; Hsing-Hao Wu, the Administration Vice President of NUK; Oku Masafumi(奧正史), Director of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in Kaohsiung Office; Chih-Wei Chen, Member of the National Council for Sustainable Development; and Ku-Bin Huang, Executive Secretary of the Disaster Prevention and Reduction Office of Kaohsiung City Government, all of whom expressed their support for the event.

In his speech, Oku Masafumi reflected on the mutual support between Japan and Taiwan in the aftermath of disasters in recent years. He emphasized the deep and unique friendship formed through shared compassion. He also highlighted signing the “Memorandum of Cooperation on Strengthening Disaster Prevention and Rescue Exchanges” on November 26, 2015, which facilitated mutual learning and experience-sharing. Today’s forum serves as a concrete manifestation of this commitment.

Oku Masafumi emphasized that post-disaster reconstruction involves both physical and psychological recovery, as well as the rebuilding of social structures. He shared his recent visit to Minamisanriku(南三陸町), where he witnessed firsthand how residents overcame challenges to rebuild their communities. This spirit of resilience resonates deeply with the people of Taiwan. Through today’s forum, both parties aim to strengthen cooperation in disaster prevention education, technologies, and community recovery.

As the host, Chi-Jen Chen welcomed the guests and noted that both Taiwan and Japan are located in seismically active regions, facing similar challenges in responding to natural disasters. He highlighted that both countries have valuable experiences to share and learn from one another. By organizing the “Japan-Taiwan Disaster Prevention Week”, the event not only strengthens the friendship between Taiwan and Japan but also aims to enhance disaster awareness and response capabilities among students, faculty, and the public. Chen emphasized that disaster prevention education is not only a crucial academic topic but also a fundamental pillar in building a safer society.

Chi-Jen Chen stated that NUK is committed to integrating academic research with social responsibility, especially in addressing the challenges of climate change and disaster risks. Through forums and exhibitions, the university not only promotes international exchange but also encourages young students to engage with and contribute to climate governance and disaster prevention efforts.

The forum was organized and planned by the Office of the Administration Vice President of National University of Kaohsiung. The Administration Vice President Hsing-Hao Wu stated that this event follows the Japan-Taiwan Disaster Prevention Forum co-hosted with the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in 2016. The forum consists of three sessions: Earthquake and Reconstruction: Keynote Speech, Coexisting with Nature: Panel Discussion, and Japan’s Disaster Prevention Technologies. These sessions focus on Japan’s post-3/11 disaster reconstruction experiences across industry, government, and academia, covering topics such as rapid disaster assessment, disaster loss mitigation, and innovations to improve post-disaster living conditions. Additionally, the forum highlights how technology and knowledge can be leveraged to address disaster challenges, further strengthening community and individual resilience.

The forum also marked the opening day of Shipbuilding Chronicle, the first overseas photography exhibition by renowned Japanese photographer Masaya Noda(野田雅). The exhibition is held in the second-floor lobby of the Library and Information Building at National University of Kaohsiung. It vividly documents the devastation in Ogashi Town(大槌町), Iwate Prefecture(岩手縣), caused by the 3/11 earthquake and the subsequent ten-year reconstruction process. Through powerful imagery, the exhibition conveys the resilience and touching stories of post-disaster recovery. The exhibition runs until the 22nd, and visitors from all walks of life are encouraged to attend.

#SDG4 #SDG11 #SDG13 #SDG17 @Office of the Administration Vice President & Events