First National Conference of Youth Affairs Directors to Be Held in Pingtung in July

(Central News Agency reporter Hsu Chi-wei, Taipei, June 16) In response to the promulgation and implementation of this year's Youth Basic Act, the Ministry of Education will hold the first 'National Conference of Youth Affairs Directors' in Pingtung County from July 2 to 3. The event aims to unite the efforts of central and local governments to jointly create a Taiwan Youth Development Declaration.

The Ministry of Education's Youth Development Administration released a press statement today, stating that the conference, themed 'Youth Rising,' will focus on four core pillars: 'Career and Employment,' 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship,' 'Regional Revitalization,' and 'International Exchange.' It seeks to address the diverse needs of youth development through policy dialogue, experience sharing, and case studies, promoting horizontal collaboration and vertical integration in youth affairs between central and local governments.

According to the Youth Basic Act, both central and local governments are required to establish or designate dedicated youth affairs units. Currently, 20 counties and cities have established such units. This conference is co-organized by the Ministry of Education and the Pingtung County Government, inviting first-level directors from youth affairs units in all 22 counties and cities, as well as representatives from central agencies responsible for youth affairs, including the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and National Development Council.

The Youth Administration stated that the conference will begin with a 'salon-style forum' titled 'Gathering Youth in Pingtung, Building Dreams Together,' discussing the current status of local youth initiatives in Pingtung. This will be followed by presentations from all 22 counties and cities on their 'highlighted youth programs.' On-site exhibitions will showcase the achievements of youth initiatives across different counties. Based on the four core themes, specialized reports on the Youth Basic Act will be delivered in a 'World Café' roundtable format, explaining the legislative intent and core content.

Additionally, the conference will include site visits to five regional revitalization teams in Pingtung County. For example, 'Lai Ri Fang Chang,' a team funded by the Youth Administration's 'U-start Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program,' will present its achievements in youth entrepreneurship through the regeneration of agricultural and fisheries surplus materials and industrial transformation. Another funded team, 'Shan Jiao Xia Hai Bian,' supported by the Youth Administration's 'Youth Community Participation Action 2.0 Changemaker Program,' combines its expertise to organize various activities that foster local education and strengthen community identity. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150616